Judge grants attorney's request to withdraw in spree killer case

GALESBURG -- A Knox County judge has granted a motion by the lead counsel in a case against accused spree killer Nicholas Sheley to withdraw from the case.

Judge James Stewart made the ruling Friday after a nearly hour-long, closed-door hearing the judge said was necessary in order to maintain attorney-client privilege.

Stewart agreed with documents filed by Harrell indicating there was a "breakdown" in attorney-client communications.

Stewart said attorney Jeremy Karlin is now the top attorney for Sheley, and appointed attorney Anthony Vaupel co-counsel because he is certified to try capital cases.

Sheley is charged with killing six people in Illinois and two in Missouri in late June 2008.