Man accused of killing officer wants to represent himself
The Indianapolis man accused of killing a police officer would like to represent himself in the murder trial.
Major Davis Jr. is facing the death penalty. He is accused of fatally shooting Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer Perry Renn in 2014, Marion Superior Court records show.
On Friday, Davis told Marion Superior Court Judge Marc Rothenberg that he wasn't getting along with his attorneys, Ray Casanova and Eric Koselke, and wanted them withdrawn from the case.
"You're saying you want to represent yourself in a death penalty case where your life is on the line?" Rothenberg asked.
"Yes," Davis replied.
It is the latest in a series of requests by Davis in the case. He previously asked for — and was denied — a fast and speedy trial and the dismissal of his murder charge. His motion for a fast and speedy trial was denied because it wasn't signed by Davis' public defenders. Indiana's trial rules require pleadings and motions be signed by an attorney.
Rothenberg refused to consider Davis' latest request until he properly filed the motion to represent himself. At that point, Rothenberg said he would tell Davis "every reason why he shouldn't" represent himself. The judge referenced the adage that a lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client.
Davis' next court hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m. May 20.
Call IndyStar reporter Marisa Kwiatkowski at (317) 444-6135. Follow her on Twitter: @IndyMarisaK.
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