Judge Rules Willis Murder Trial Won’t Be Delayed

Accused double-murderer Howard Hawk Willis will go to trial July 10th as planned. Judge Lynn Brown made that decision in Washington County Criminal Court today.

If convicted, Willis faces the death penalty for allegedly murdering Adam Chrismer and Samantha Leming nearly six years ago. Police say Willis also dismembered their bodies.

Acting as his own attorney, Willis asked for yet another delay in his case today during a motion’s hearing. He said he needed more time to contact witnesses, telling the judge it’d be impossible for him to prepare his case by July 10th.

“In all fairness, you might as well just convict me today if you don’t give me the opportunity and the tools to defend myself,” Willis said.

Although Judge Brown denied Willis’ request for a delay, he did okay the accused killer’s motions for additional resources inside the Washington County Detention Center. Those resources include more phone access and the use of a tape and CD player to review phone conversations and interviews.

Judge Brown believes Willis now has everything he needs to be ready for this trial, set to start in less than 45 days.

“Unlike a lawyer who has other cases, the only thing you have to do between now and July the 10th is work on this case,” Brown said.

Judge Brown also granted Willis access to taped phone calls he made from jail back in 2002. Willis claims those conversations reveal that a witness did not see him with the two victims the day they were reported missing, contrary to what prosecutors suggest.

Willis will return to court June 10th for another motions hearing. Earlier this month, Willis said he would appeal the judge’s ruling that he should represent himself. Willis officially filed that motion with the Criminal Court of Appeals yesterday. If the appeals court hears this case, this trial could yet again be delayed.