Accused spree killer wants court-appointed lawyer fired

GALESBURG -- Accused spree killer Nicholas Sheley (SHEE'-lee) has told a Knox County judge he no longer wants to be represented by a court appointed lawyer in a jailhouse assault case.

During a hearing Tuesday, Sheley told Judge Stephen Mathers he would like to represent himself or seek an outside private council.

Sheley said it had been months since a final discovery due date had been set and he thought defense attorneys led by Jim Harrell may have done work relating to the case only recently. He said he had orally filed to represent himself in the case and doesn't feel the case is being handled appropriately.

Sheley has pleaded not guilty to aggravated battery and other charges in connection with an assault on a jailer earlier this year.

Sheley also is charged with murder in the June 2008 deaths of five other people.