Roland Belton v. United States

In a fight which took place August 2, 1949, Roland Belton stabbed one Lewis Crowder and inflicted wounds from which death resulted eight days later. Belton was indicted September 6, 1949, for second degree murder1 but fled the jurisdiction and was not apprehended until March 2, 1954. He was arraigned ten days later and pleaded not guilty. Counsel were appointed to represent him and trial was set for April 26, 1954. On March 15, employed counsel entered an appearance. The two attorneys theretofore appointed were later permitted to withdraw.

After five continuances — three for the Government and…