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Below The Belt
Judge declares mistrial after murder suspect punches his own lawyer in the face
That’s one way to beat a trial.
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 moved for a mistrial. Levine suffered a fat lip.
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.
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