LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Attorneys for a Nebraska death row inmate say the state’s recent struggle over capital punishment has raised new legal questions that they need to explore, while a state attorney says the prisoner has exhausted all options except for clemency.

Attorneys for John Lotter said Tuesday that new questions surfaced after the Legislature’s vote to abolish capital punishment, the subsequent ballot measure to reinstate it and the governor’s efforts to obtain lethal injection drugs. Lawyers for both sides convened at the federal courthouse in Lincoln.

Lotter was sentenced to death for his role in the 1993 slaying of Teena Brandon, a 21-year-old woman who lived briefly as a man, and two witnesses, Lisa Lambert and Philip DeVine, at a rural Humboldt farmhouse. The crime inspired the 1999 movie “Boys Don’t Cry.”

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska man convicted of killing his girlfriend in 2002 is blaming an antidepressant for his actions and requesting his case be re-examined by a judge.

Randall Robbins pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of 17-year-old Brittany Eurek and was sentenced to 40 to 60 years in prison.

Robbins claims the antidepressant Zoloft, which was prescribed to him in 2002, played a key role in what was supposed to be a murder-suicide.

Robbins’ attorney says DNA testing conducted this year shows genetics prevents Robbins from metabolizing Zoloft as intended by its manufacturer. His attorney says that can lead to violent outbursts and suicidal behavior, something the federal government warned of in 2007.

Briefs are expected to be submitted soon.

HASTINGS, Neb. (AP) — A 27-year-old man is scheduled to be sentenced in November after taking a plea deal in the knifing of a friend.

Rusty Skarin pleaded no contest last week and was convicted of attempted assault. Prosecutors had lowered the charge and dropped another in exchange for Skarin’s plea. His sentencing is set for Nov. 10.

Investigators say Skarin argued with Jeffrey Kort on May 10 while they were driving home after working on a car together. Kort told an Adams County sheriff’s deputy that he made Skarin get out of his vehicle but then returned to the scene a short time later. Kort says he and Skarin began fighting again, and Skarin stabbed him.

Skarin says Kort choked him during their fight.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A man has pleaded not guilty in the kidnapping and stabbing of his ex-girlfriend in Omaha.

23-year-old Dylan Doebelin pleaded not guilty to several charges including kidnapping, attempted first-degree murder and stalking Monday. According to prosecutors, Doebelin kidnapped his ex-girlfriend from her job at a daycare, beat her and stabbed her on July 7.

Authorities say good Samaritans saved the woman when Doebelin stopped his car and the woman jumped out of the vehicle.

Doebelin’s trial has been scheduled for Dec. 15.

PAPILLION, Neb. (AP) — A 62-year-old pastor accused of inappropriately touching a 14-year-old girl in an Omaha suburb has been sentenced to 180 days in jail.

Court records say Clifton Wells, of Papillion, was sentenced on Monday in Sarpy County District Court. Wells had pleaded no contest and was convicted of a misdemeanor. Prosecutors lowered the charge from felony sexual assault of a child in exchange for Wells’ plea.

Prosecutors say Wells inappropriately touched the girl several times in July 2014 when he gave the girl a ride to pick up a job application. Wells told investigators he’d been counseling the girl about her misbehavior at school, and he denied that any sexual assault occurred.