D.C Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt granted defendant George Mudd a new defense attorney on June 17 after reading his “eloquently” written letter.
Mudd, 71, is charged with first-degree murder and felony murder. Both charges face an aggravating factor of being especially heinous or cruel while committing or attempting to commit a robbery. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the stabbing and rape of Susan Cvengros, 24, that occurred on May 21, 1999 on the 400 block of F Street, NE. Cvengros was found dead in her bedroom with six stab wounds. Mudd was arrested in 2025, allegedly connected by DNA evidence.
On June 2, Mudd filed a handwritten letter to the court asking for a new attorney, expressing his frustration and concern about what he claims is unfair representation from his attorney Terrance Austin.
Mudd wrote, “Mr. Austin has not shown my case any individualized attention and has not shown any personal concern or or general desire to either want to help or be proactive in my defense against the serious charges I am facing. My attempts to elicit better representation from Mr. Austin has failed.” Mudd claimed Austin had met with him only five times over the course of their ten-month partnership.
Judge Brandt addressed the letter in court by saying, “in all my years of being a judge I have never read such an eloquently written letter.”
Mudd also wrote, “I am requesting an attorney that will visit me to investigate the facts of the case, review the discovery with me, and assist me in getting the best outcome. I do not believe this is possible with Mr. Austin.”
In court, Austin chose not to comment on the reassignment. Dominique Winters, the Trial Chief of the Public Defenders Service (PDS), told the court, PDS could appoint Jessica Willis, a forensic litigation expert, to represent Mudd for the remainder of the case.
After Mudd agreed to have Willis represent him, Judge Brandt said, “you’re in good hands with the Public Defenders Service, there is a whole team for you.”
Mudd’s letter also requested a copy of his indictment and arrest warrant from the court. With neither party objecting, Judge Brandt had the documents printed out for Mudd.
Parties are slated to reconvene for a status hearing on Oct. 9, with his trial slated for Oct. 18, 2027.
