Commonwealth v. Hooks

OPINION

EAGEN, Chief Justice.

Charles T. Hooks, appellant, was convicted of murder of the third degree following a nonjury trial in Allegheny County. Post-verdict motions were filed by counsel from the public defender’s office. Because the motions alleged, *44inter alia, ineffectiveness of trial counsel who was also from the public defender’s office, the court appointed new counsel not associated with this office to represent Hooks, conducted a hearing, and heard evidence relevant to the issues, including ineffectiveness of trial counsel. Subsequently, the post-verdict motions were denied and…