Judge assigns new lawyer for man accused in slaying
By Times Staff Writer
Published February 14, 2004
NEW PORT RICHEY - Phillup Partin refused to say a word or look at Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Michael Andrews in his courtroom Friday. Partin, who has been charged with the August 2002 slaying of 16-year-old Joshan Ashbrook, was in court for a hearing to order him to submit blood, saliva and hair samples.
But when asked to raise his hand to take the oath, Partin remained still. He also refused to answer Andrews' questions and looked at his court-appointed attorneys.
"I won't ask you anything about the facts of this case," Andrews said, trying to coax a response. Andrews said he took the silence to mean that Partin, 38, was asserting his right to remain silent and expressing dissatisfaction with his representation because of a possible conflict-of-interest.
Andrews assigned a new attorney to the case, setting a new hearing for March 4.
