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| Sheley Wants to Represent Self; Fitness to be Determined First |
POSTED: 3:05pm 9/19/08 Accused spree killer Nicholas Sheley says he's "absolutely" ready to represent himself at trial.
The 28-year old Sterling man accused in eight murders, including one in Galesburg, made that admission to reporters at the Knox County Courthouse Friday, after a court hearing when he told Judge James Stewart he wanted to either represent himself or find other counsel, and fire public defender Jim Harrell and co-counsel Jeremy Karlin. Stewart told Sheley he had to choose one or the other, at which time Sheley decided to represent himself.
Karlin, meanwhile, filed a motion for the judge to consider Sheley's fitness to stand trial on ten first-degree murder and seven other charges in connection to the death of 65-year old Ronald Randall, which would also determine his competency to represent himself. That motion was granted.
Sheley, clearly angered at no longer being allowed to speak in court, after the fitness exam was granted, turned his back to Harrell and Karlin for most of the rest of the hearing. Stewart determined that he would request the Chief Judge appoint another judge to determine the defense's ability to represent Sheley.
Sheley has claimed he wants no motions or other paperwork filed in his case which would prevent him from having a speedy trial.
Sheley also told reporters he wasn't at all surprised at the grand jury indictments handed down yesterday in Whiteside County charging him in four Rock Falls murders.
Another hearing in the case is scheduled for next Friday at 10 am.
(Nicholas Sheley -- File Photo) |
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| 09 19 08 by Newsroom |
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