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Auburn Murder: Judge Asked To Recuse Himself

By The Associated Press.

Published: Wed, September 03, 2008 - 6:48 pm Last Updated: Wed, September 03, 2008 - 6:51 pm

Short URL: http://wkrg.com/a/17626/

AUBURN, Ala. (AP) - Defense attorneys for Courtney Lockhart say
the Lee County judge handling their client's trial on charges he
murdered an Auburn University freshman should recuse himself.
Jeremy Armstrong filed a motion asking Circuit Court Judge Jacob
A. Walker and all other Lee County judges to recuse themselves.
The attorneys argue that most judges in Lee County likely have
ties to Auburn University that would present the appearance of a
conflict of interest and the Alabama Supreme Court should appoint a
judge from outside the county.
Walker said he would take the motion under advisement, but
indicated he was unlikely to rule in favor of the defense.
Lockhart has pleaded not guilty to the March 4 kidnapping and
killing of Lauren Burk of Marietta, Ga.