James Emerson

The man convicted of the 1999 murder of Rhonda Mertes finally has an attorney for his appeal.

According to online court records, earlier this week, a judge ruled 45-year old James Emerson is eligible for a public defender for his appeal.

However, two lawyers appointed after that said they couldn't do it because of a conflict of interest. One was finally found Wednesday afternoon.

Emerson went through 5 attorneys before his trial.

He was convicted in February and sentenced to life in prison without parole.