A defendant accused of a hit-and-run murder asked DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman to dismiss his attorney and allow him to represent himself during a hearing on Oct. 17.
Kyle Piunti, 36, is charged with second-degree murder while armed and three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a vehicular accident that killed 54-year-old Michael Hamlin on Jan. 3, 2024 on Highway I-295 southbound around Mile Marker 1.
According to court documents, Piunti was reportedly driving over 100 miles per hour shortly before the crash. The speed limit in the area was 50 miles per hour.
At the hearing, Kevin Irving, Piunti’s attorney, informed Judge Edelman that Piunti wanted to represent himself in the case. According to Irving, Piunti would allow Irving to remain an attorney advisor in the case.
According to court records, Piunti’s had five different attorneys since the case was opened in September 2024.
Following an ex-parte discussion under seal, Judge Edelman asked Piunti to spend additional time considering his request and discussing it with Irving.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 28.
