Judge Melissa K. Copeland postponed the trial of a 20-year-old murder defendant based on a conflict of interest facing his defense lawyer in a hearing on June 3.
James Jenkins III is charged with first-degree murder, firearm use in a felony violent crime, conspiracy to use a firearm in a felony violent crime, having a handgun in a vehicle and having a handgun on his person.
Jenkins and co-defendant Aamir Benton allegedly shot and killed 31-year-old Phillip Wallace in Wallace’s car on June 30, 2022, and Jenkins was later arrested on April 11, 2023.
Defense attorney Marci Johnson requested the postponement because she is representing both Jenkins and a witness for the prosecution. Jenkins is expected to be assigned a new public defender.
The trial is now scheduled for four days, beginning on Sept. 16.
