A murder defendant asked to be represented by counsel outside the Public Defender Service (PDS).
Terrell Poe is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged role in the shooting of 33-year-old Christopher Washington on Sept. 23, 2020, on the 400 block of Southern Avenue, SE. During his most recent hearing on Feb. 10, the 35-year-old defendant requested new counsel.
When asked if he would like someone from the PDS or from the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Panel, the defendant chose the latter. The CJA Panel consists of attorneys who provide pro-bono counsel to defendants who are unable to retain counsel. They are reimbursed by the government for their services.
Judge Milton Lee told Poe he would look for an attorney from the CJA Panel. An ascertainment of counsel hearing is scheduled for Feb. 25.
