Murder defendant wants an attorney

By Dustin Lemmon | Tuesday, August 07, 2007

After a couple of weeks of representing himself in a Rock Island murder case Jason J. Thompson has changed his mind and now wants an attorney to step in.

Thompson, 23, of Rock Island, is charged with the July 2006 murder of Michael M. Jones. He allegedly shot Jones, 25, of East Moline, in the Century Woods housing complex on Rock Island’s west side.

Last month Judge Charles “Casey” Stengel approved Thompson’s request to represent himself, but cautioned Thompson against doing so, telling him “I don’t believe it’s wise.”

Attorney Aaron Dyer was appointed as Thompson’s standby counsel last month, but at a hearing Tuesday, Stengel said Dyer now has a conflict with the case and has asked to be replaced. Dyer was at a funeral and could not attend Tuesday’s hearing, which was rescheduled for Monday.

Thompson had been scheduled to go to trial Monday. A new trial date has not been set.

Thompson remained in custody Tuesday.

— Dustin Lemmon