A defendant representing himself in a hit-and-run dismissed his fifth standby attorney in 16 months before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman at a status hearing on Jan. 23.
Kyle Piunti, 36, is charged with second-degree murder and three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a hit-and-run that occurred on Jan. 23, 2024, on I-295. Four individuals were injured during the incident, including 54-year-old Michael Hamlin, who succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Piunti missed his previous two hearings, once for medical reasons and another after refusing to leave jail.
Judge Edelman said the dismissal of his attorney, Kevin Irving, is the result of “a complete and total breakdown of communication and trust between Mr. Piunti and standby counsel.” He added that while he would try to get Piunti new counsel, it would be difficult.
Piunti said he would rather have no standby counsel than Irving.
“I was put in a position where either Kevin would represent me or I would represent myself,” Piunti said.
Judge Edelman agreed to look for new counsel for Piunti.
“As I have repeatedly done throughout this case, I will make an attempt to find you a new attorney,” Judge Edelman said.
Irving is currently representing Piunti on a separate assault. Piunti asked Judge Edelman to remove him from that case as well. Judge Edelman noted that while it was not standard practice for the court to provide two attorneys to the same defendant due to financial constraints, he did not have the authority to make appointments in that case.
Piunti noted that he would like to have an attorney represent him, but will remain pro se–representing himself– until he can speak with new counsel.
Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 13.
