The man accused of fatally stabbing Arthur Wakuk behind the Docomo headquarters in Tamuning has been appointed a new lawyer.
Ronat Chutaro is accused of fatally stabbing Arthur Wakuk in the neck and evading authorities for a week.
He appeared in Superior Court Judge Elyze Iriarte’s courtroom Friday morning for a status hearing as he has asserted his right to a speedy trial.
In court, attorney Anne Gayle asserted that she could not represent Chutaro because a conflict of interest is present. The Alternate Public Defender represents Cassidy Nakumura, a witness in the case.
Court documents state that Nakumura was identified in the surveillance video as being present when Chutaro attacked Wakuk. In light of the conflict, Judge Iriarte has appointed Douglas Moylan to represent Chutaro for a limited purpose.
A hearing has been set for January 29 to determine if there is any conflict with the new appointment.
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