Ellis to represent self in homicide trial

Defendant says he is dissatisfied with attorney

HOLLIDAYSBURG -- One of three defendants facing homicide and related charges in the 2013 shooting death of Steven L. Hackney said Monday that he will represent himself at trial.

Kashif Omar Ellis, 31, told Blair County Judge Elizabeth Doyle that she was leaving him with no choice but self-representation.

Ellis said he was dissatisfied with Hollidaysburg attorney Robert Donaldson for failing to inform him about his case and challenge the charges.

"I want somebody who is willing to fight for my innocence," Ellis said. "My life is on the line."

Donaldson, who was in court with Ellis, advised Doyle that he is ready for Ellis' trial starting

Aug. 20, as long as pending pretrial motions are resolved. Jury selection is scheduled for Monday.

Others charged with Hackney's death are Taylor A. Griffith, represented by attorney Mark Zearfaus, and Qasim L. Sharif Green whose attorney, Thomas M. Dickey, is asking for a separate trial .

Griffith, who testified in June during a court hearing, said she plans to render a guilty plea to third-degree murder in exchange for a sentence of 15 to 30 years in prison.

Hackney was found dead on

July 13, 2013, inside his 124 Walnut Ave. residence. Griffith testified in June that she, Green and Ellis had gone to the residence where she thought they were going to rob Hackney, who was known for have large amounts of cash.

Ellis shot Hackney, Griffith said in June.

In court Monday, Ellis said he no longer wanted Donaldson to be his attorney.

"Could I hire another attorney?" Ellis asked the judge.

Doyle said she would deny that request unless Ellis can hire an attorney who's ready for trial starting Aug. 20.

"Your desire to hire substitute counsel (at this time) would be viewed as an attempt to avoid trial, " Doyle said.

When Ellis asked about representing himself, Doyle acknowledged the option, then directed Assistant District Attorney Pete Weeks to read the list of charges that Ellis faces along with the potential incarceration periods, including life in prison.

"Do you really want to represent yourself in a homicide trial?" Doyle asked.

When Ellis said yes, Doyle told him that she could appoint an attorney as standby counsel to assist him at trial. And if she did that, Doyle said she would appoint Donaldson.

"What's the sense in that?" Ellis asked.

Doyle replied that Donaldson is familiar with the case and the pending motions to be decided before trial.

Ellis insisted that he and Donaldson have spent little time together. He said he doesn't understand his case and hasn't had access to motions filed on his behalf.

During Monday's hearing, Ellis repeatedly stared at Donaldson and pummelled questions and critical comments at him. Ellis' actions prompted Doyle to remind Ellis that he should be listening, not talking. When Ellis resumed talking, the judge reminded him that she could hold him in contempt of court.

The judge also reminded Ellis of his time in previous court hearings, with Donaldson, where his case and evidence have been reviewed.

"I don't have a Ph.D. in law," Ellis said. "And again, nobody explained to me what was going on."

Donaldson disagreed with that conclusion.

"I think I've been representing him well," Donaldson said after court concluded.

In a related issue, Dickey advised Doyle that he has concerns about trying to select jurors Monday, before a resolution of pretrial issues that could play a role in what he asks potential jurors.

Another pretrial hearing is scheduled with Doyle on Tuesday, the day after jury selection.

Mirror Staff Writer Kay Stephens is at 946-7456.