Defense lawyers quit murder case following mistrial

Following a mistrial, two defense lawyers quit a murder case this week, citing disagreements with their client on how to proceed.

Jaylan Mendoza, 23, is charged with murder in the Aug. 20, 2023, death of his father Delwin McCloud, 42.

Lawyer Lakeisha Murdaugh wrote the reasons included that Mendoza wanted “certain physical evidence presented to the jury” that went against her professional judgment. Their relationship had “broken down.”

Co-counsel Amishi Sanghvi also withdrew, filings show. Mendoza’s new trial is Sept. 29.

A court hearing is set for Sept. 4 to see if he has picked a new lawyer.

Judge Natalie Bokota declared a mistrial last month after an Illinois university police officer had been allowed to stay on the jury.

As the

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