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September 05. 2012 1:14AM
Arthur Collins, of Manchester has written a letter to a superior court judge asking to fire his lawyers. Collins is being held on two counts of second-degree murder for the killing of George Jodoin, 50, at his home in Auburn. (JAMES A. KIMBLE / FILE PHOTO)
Accused murderer Collins says court's lawyers don't have best interests in mind
Arthur Collins, of Manchester has written a letter to a superior court judge asking to fire his lawyers. Collins is being held on two counts of second-degree murder for the killing of George Jodoin, 50, at his home in Auburn. (JAMES A. KIMBLE / FILE PHOTO)
BRENTWOOD — A Manchester man charged with the 2001 murder of a pawn shop owner is asking for new court-appointed lawyers as he awaits possible indictment.
Arthur Collins, 43, submitted a letter to a judge at Rockingham County Superior Court asking to dismiss his legal team.
“I feel that they are not having my best interest at heart,” Collins wrote in a jailhouse letter.
The letter, handwritten by Collins and dated Aug. 18, was copied to his defense lawyers and prosecutors assigned to the case.
Collins wrote he was also skeptical about his lawyers having a conflict in the case, but he did not elaborate on why he is against keeping his attorneys.
It’s unclear whether the letter could prompt any action by the court. Usually, defendants are required to file a court motion requesting a new lawyer, and make a showing why a new lawyer should be appointed.
Collins is being held without bail at the Rockingham County jail on two counts of second-degree murder for allegedly shooting George Jodoin in the head and neck on the night of Dec. 26, 2001.
Jodoin, 50, was found shot to death in his own bed at his Auburn farmhouse, police said. He was the co-owner of Mr. I Buy and Sell Everything in Manchester at the time of his death.
Collins was arrested May 16, but a grand jury has yet to hand down an indictment in Rockingham County Superior Court.
The state is typically given 90 days to seek an indictment unless it petitions a judge for an extension. Sometimes those requests are made through sealed court pleadings.
In July, state prosecutors asked a superior court judge to unseal court affidavits which allege that Collins confessed to cold case investigators that he committed the 2001 killing.
Collins had initially denied any role in the killing and tried to blame another man, according to the affidavit.
After Collins failed a polygraph test he then confessed that he shot Jodoin, the affidavit says.
Collins told police that he “blacked out” before he pointed the gun at Jodoin and fired two shots.
James A. Kimble may be reached at JKimble@newstote.com.
Arthur Collins, 43, submitted a letter to a judge at Rockingham County Superior Court asking to dismiss his legal team.
“I feel that they are not having my best interest at heart,” Collins wrote in a jailhouse letter.
The letter, handwritten by Collins and dated Aug. 18, was copied to his defense lawyers and prosecutors assigned to the case.
Collins wrote he was also skeptical about his lawyers having a conflict in the case, but he did not elaborate on why he is against keeping his attorneys.
It’s unclear whether the letter could prompt any action by the court. Usually, defendants are required to file a court motion requesting a new lawyer, and make a showing why a new lawyer should be appointed.
Collins is being held without bail at the Rockingham County jail on two counts of second-degree murder for allegedly shooting George Jodoin in the head and neck on the night of Dec. 26, 2001.
Jodoin, 50, was found shot to death in his own bed at his Auburn farmhouse, police said. He was the co-owner of Mr. I Buy and Sell Everything in Manchester at the time of his death.
Collins was arrested May 16, but a grand jury has yet to hand down an indictment in Rockingham County Superior Court.
The state is typically given 90 days to seek an indictment unless it petitions a judge for an extension. Sometimes those requests are made through sealed court pleadings.
In July, state prosecutors asked a superior court judge to unseal court affidavits which allege that Collins confessed to cold case investigators that he committed the 2001 killing.
Collins had initially denied any role in the killing and tried to blame another man, according to the affidavit.
After Collins failed a polygraph test he then confessed that he shot Jodoin, the affidavit says.
Collins told police that he “blacked out” before he pointed the gun at Jodoin and fired two shots.
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James A. Kimble may be reached at JKimble@newstote.com.
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