A murder defendant’s trial was postponed after his fifth attorney left the case before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Feb. 9.
Sherman Holley, 48, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault on a police officer, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, arson, destruction of property worth $1,000 or more, and resisting arrest. All charges face an aggravating factor of allegedly being committed during Holley’s release for another matter.
The charges stem from Holley’s alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 53-year-old James Brooks on Jan. 15, 2023, on the 200 block of 37th Street, SE.
Kevin Irving, Holley’s attorney, asked Judge Ryan to no longer represent Holley, consistent with his Feb. 4 motion to withdraw. According to the motion, Irving had a conflict with Holley after an incident that occurred that day.
Holley confirmed he “pretty much” asked Irving to withdraw and said Irving acted too “nonchalant” and as if Holley was “dumb.”
Irving was the fifth defense attorney to withdraw from Holley’s case, court documents indicate.
“I wanna go to trial, but it’s the incompetency of my attorneys,” Holley said.
After granting Irving’s motion to withdraw, Judge Ryan told Holley he was “clearly the problem” and said he needed to find a lawyer that would “put up with” his “behavior.” The judge commended Irving’s legal skills and said Holley was barring himself from good representation.
Judge Ryan said he heard no evidence of Holley’s competence to stand trial.
“All you’re doing is ensuring you stay locked up for a longer period of time without a trial,” Judge Ryan said to Holley.
Judge Ryan vacated the Feb. 17 trial date and called for ascertainment of counsel in roughly 30 days.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene March 9.
