Despite an infamous death row inmate’s desire to again represent himself as he seeks a new trial, a judge denied Howard Hawk Willis’ request Tuesday.
Almost eight years after a jury convicted him, the double murderer returned to a Jonesborough courtroom. During Tuesday’s court hearing, Judge Lisa Rice granted Willis’ request to end his relationship with his current attorney, but denied his request to represent himself. Instead, she appointed him another lawyer.
Willis represented himself at trial after problems with multiple other attorneys. He’s facing the death penalty for the 2002 murders of Samantha and Adam Chrismer.
Willis will return to court in November as he continues his quest for a new trial.
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