On Wednesday, Planned Parenthood shooter Robert Dear asked to fire his legal team. Photo courtesy of NBC News.
Summary: Domestic terrorist, Robert Dear, asked a judge on Wednesday if he could fire his legal team and represent himself.
Weeks ago, an unhinged Robert Dear admitted to killing three people at a Planned Parenthood in Colorado. Now the 57-year-old wants to fire his court-appointed attorneys and represent himself.
“I do not want them as my lawyers. I reserve my constitutional right to defend myself,” Dear said on Wednesday.
NBC News reports that Dear is charged with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder. During a five hour siege on a Planned Parenthood on Nov. 27, he shot and killed three people—Jennifer Markovsky, 36; Ke’Arre Stewart, 29; and police officer Garrett Swasey.
During Dear’s first court appearance on Dec. 9th in Colorado Springs, he said he was guilty and that he was a “warrior for the babies.” He slammed anyone against him, saying they were in league with Planned Parenthood. His legal team argued that he was mentally ill.
Planned Parenthood is the number one provider of female reproductive services in the United States, including abortions. It is frequently under attack because of pro-life extremists.
Although Dear’s motive has not been revealed by the authorities, many believe he shot the Planned Parenthood because he was an anti-abortionist extremist. NBC News reported that at the time of his arrest the terrorist said, “No more baby parts.”
On his most recent court appearance this week, Dear spent the majority of the time discussing his case with his defense team, which includes lawyer Daniel King, who represented Aurora theater shooter James Holmes. Dear later decided to fire his attorneys, and he asked the judge if he could represent himself.
When Dear made the unusual request, the judge told Dear he would need to submit proof that he was mentally competent. Dear initially refused, but finally relented when the judge said it was necessary. Dear said he would provide the proof, but that he was scared of psychological tests because he didn’t want to be drugged like “a zombie.”
It’s noted that Dear also accused his jailers of poisoning him.
Dear is due back in court in February. The mental competency exam will be administered by the Colorado State Mental Health Institute in Pueblo, and it could take months to complete.