Judge declares mistrial after defendant hits lawyer in the face
WORCESTER, Mass. - A judge has declared a mistrial for a Massachusetts murder suspect who punched his lawyer in the face in open court.
The Telegram & Gazette reports that the jury was not present when 35-year-old Janleer Povez hit his appointed lawyer, Elliot Levine, at a hearing on Monday. Povez said he didn't want Levine as his lawyer.
Povez is facing a second-degree murder charge for allegedly stabbing a Westborough man during a drug deal in 2008.
Povez was removed from the courtroom following the outburst and Levine, who suffered a fat lip, moved for a mistrial. The prosecutor objected, saying Povez deliberately tried to cause a mistrial.
The district attorney says Povez could face additional charges.
A new lawyer will be appointed for Povez, whose case will continue in August.