Defense attorneys seek new judge in 4 Rockford slayings

ROCKFORD, Ill. (AP) - Attorneys for a man charged with first-degree murder in the shooting deaths of four Rockford people have asked for a new judge to hear the case.

Lawyers representing 22-year-old Calvin L. Carter filed a request Friday to replace Judge Rosemary Collins without stating a reason. The Rockford Register Star reports (http://bit.ly/1yT7shp ) substitution of judge is allowed twice in a first-degree murder trial under Illinois law and is a common legal maneuver in Winnebago County.

Carter is charged in the Dec. 20 slayings of 24-year-old Martia Flint; her boyfriend, 24-year-old Demontae Rhodes; and Flint's two sons, 6-year-old Tyrone Smith III and 4-year-old Tobias K. Smith. They were found in a Rockford apartment.

A judge has entered a not guilty plea for Carter.

Authorities say Carter previously had a relationship with Flint.

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Information from: Rockford Register Star, http://www.rrstar.com