State v. Breedlove

Lawrence Breedlove appeals his conviction for second degree murder, arguing, most significantly, that the conviction should be reversed because the trial court erroneously denied his request to proceed pro se. Because Breedlove’s assertion of his right to self-representation was unequivocal, timely, and not interposed for improper purposes, we hold that the trial court erred in denying Breedlove’s request to represent himself, and we therefore reverse Breedlove’s conviction and order a new trial.

Facts

Breedlove was accused of murdering Gregory Atkins by stabbing him to death on or about July…