DC mansion murder suspect fires defense attorney

Published July 23, 2015

The man accused of killing a wealthy Washington family and their housekeeper, and setting their mansion ablaze, fired his defense counsel at a court hearing Thursday.

Daron Dylon Wint, 34, who is facing charges of first-degree murder in the May slayings of Savvas, Amy and Philip Savopoulos and housekeeper Veralicia Figueroa, dismissed his attorney at a status hearing Thursday in D.C. Superior Court.

Citing differences of opinion, Wint fired his most recent lawyer, Virginia-based immigration attorney Sean Hanover, the attorney told Fox News.

At a brief press conference following the hearing, Hanover told reporters he believes Wint was set up, although he was vague and would not specify by whom.

Hanover said he believes there are people who were involved in the slayings who are still at-large, adding that Wint is “heartbroken” over the deaths of the Savopoulos family.

When asked how many others may be involved in the murders, all Hanover would say was “more than one and less than 100.”

Police said in court documents that they believe Wint had help holding the family captive and killing them after receiving a $40,000 payment.

The Savopoulous’ multimillion-dollar mansion near Vice President Biden’s residence in northwest Washington was set on fire after the murders on May 14. Wint was arrested May 22.

Following his arrest, Wint was originally represented by two public defenders with experience in homicide cases.

However, Wint’s family later retained Hanover on June 16, firing the public defenders.

After Hanover’s dismissal, Wint will again be represented by the District of Columbia’s public defender service for his next appearance in court on July 20.

He remains in custody without bond.

The U.S. Attorney’s office would not comment on the changes, citing their ongoing investigation.

Fox News' Matthew Dean contributed to this report

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https://www.foxnews.com/us/dc-mansion-murder-suspect-fires-defense-attorney