Appeal denied in 1992 torture death

MADISON, Ind. (AP) - An attorney for a woman who pleaded guilty to a 1992 torture slaying says he'll try again to have her deal with prosecutors thrown out.

The Indiana Court of Appeals last week upheld a lower court's decision to deny Melinda Loveless' motion to overturn her plea bargain.

Loveless was 16 when she pleaded guilty to murder in the death of a 12-year-old Shanda Sharer.

Loveless' attorney, Mark Small, says he'll seek to have jurisdiction over the case transferred to the Indiana Supreme Court.

Four girls were convicted in connection with Sharer's slaying, but only Loveless and Laurie Tackett remain in prison, each serving 60-year sentences.

According to court testimony, Loveless wanted Sharer killed because the two competed for the affections of a third girl.