SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The new defense lawyer for an Oregon death-row inmate who wants to fast-track his execution has withdrawn a request that a judge be removed from the case.
Attorney Gregory Scholl withdrew the request in a Marion County Circuit Court hearing on Thursday. The motion was filed by 49-year-old inmate Gary Haugen’s previous lawyers, who argued that Judge Joseph Guimond (guh-MOND’) was not an impartial arbiter. Haugen objected to the initial request in court.
Haugen has been convicted twice of murder. His execution was scheduled for next month, but it was canceled after his previous lawyers said they believed he was delusional and incompetent to decide not to appeal.
Haugen will be evaluated by at least one mental health expert, who will help the court decide whether he is competent.
