A Tilbury man charged with first degree murder has fired his defence lawyer.
David Trealout, 35, notified his lawyer during a court appearance in Chatham on Wednesday that he was hiring a new defence lawyer.
Trealout also wanted to fire his lawyer and represent himself early on in the judicial process, but was advised against it. He eventually changed his mind.
Early on, Trealout also didn't think he needed an assessment, but was then convinced it was best.
Trealout is charged with the murder of 55-year-old Henry Neudorf of Tilbury in January 2024.
The Justice told the court she is concerned about delay and rejected a January 27, 2025 return date.
She is bringing Trealout back to court with his new counsel on December 17, 2024 to set up a Judicial Pre-Trial and get the case sorted out.
Results of fitness assessments to determine if Trealout is fit to stand trial and to determine if he's criminally responsible for the murder are in, but have not been publicly disclosed in court.
His co-accused, 62-year-old Darin Noland, was sentenced last month to time already served in jail and two years of probation. Noland also received a lifetime ban on weapons and was ordered to provide a DNA sample.
Noland was originally charged with first-degree murder, but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of accessory after the fact to murder in September 2024.
The third co-accused, Kimberly Price, 53, is still before the court.
A publication ban prevents any evidence from being made public.
