BELTON — On the day that testimony in a capital murder trial was set to begin but before the jury was sworn in, the defendant’s recently-hired attorney requested more time to prepare, which led to a one-day delay.

During jury selection on Monday, Brittany Lannen, who has a law office in the Waco area, became the lead attorney for the 41-year-old defendant, Jerry Wayne Baker of Harker Heights. Baker had been representing himself “pro se” since 2022 and also was assigned stand-by counsel, Temple defense attorney Michael White, who has attended prior hearings.

Baker changed his mind about self-representation on Monday and asked that Lannen become lead attorney.

Baker was indicted on Dec. 9, 2020, on a charge of capital murder of multiple persons. He is accused of shooting and killing 35-ye

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