Massachusetts judge declares mistrial after defendant hits lawyer in the face

Published May 03, 2016

A judge has declared a mistrial for a Massachusetts murder suspect who punched his lawyer in the face in open court.

The Telegram & Gazette (http://bit.ly/1CGqBDf ) reports that the jury was not present when 35-year-old Janleer Povez hit his appointed lawyer, Elliot Levine, at a hearing on Monday.

Povez said he didn't want Levine as his lawyer.

Povez is facing a second-degree murder charge for allegedly stabbing a Westborough man during a drug deal in 2008.

Povez was removed from the courtroom following the outburst and Levine moved for a mistrial. Levine suffered a fat lip.

The prosecutor objected, saying Povez deliberately tried to cause a mistrial. The district attorney says Povez could face additional charges.

A new lawyer will be appointed for Povez, whose case will continue in August.

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Information from: Telegram & Gazette (Worcester, Mass.), http://www.telegram.com

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