During a felony status conference Sept. 16, a murder defendant hired a new private attorney to represent him.
Raymond Avent, 19, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 23-year-old Rafiq Hawkins on the 1200 block of Brentwood Road, NE on March 23.
Avent’s previous attorney, Elizabeth J. Weller, withdrew from the case for reasons not stated in court.
Leonard L. Long is now representing Avent. Long is not a public defender, and was apparently retained by Avent.
Long requested a status hearing so he could familiarize himself with Avent’s case.
Avent is scheduled for a felony status conference on Nov. 14.
