Accused killer doesn’t trust his lawyer, he says

12/20/2013

Despite accused murderer David Zielinski’s contention that he doesn’t trust his lawyer, Lucas County Common Pleas Judge Ruth Ann Franks ruled Thursday that attorney Adrian Cimerman will stay on the case.

Mr. Zielinski, 34, of 3859 Berkey-Southern Rd., Swanton Township, is to go to trial Jan. 13 on charges of aggravated murder, aggravated burglary, kidnapping, and attempted murder, with each offense carrying a gun specification. He is accused of stabbing and shooting to death Michael Jackson, 20, of Toledo, after he allegedly found Mr. Jackson in bed with his estranged wife, Amber Hayes, at her West Central Avenue home.

After requesting the court appoint new counsel, Mr. Zielinski told Judge Franks that Mr. Cimerman had “not really discussed anything” with him about his case, had failed to look into facts he has raised, and “talks to me like I’m stupid.”

Mr. Cimerman said he’d been to the jail to meet with his client at least six times, had shared all discovery in his case with him, and is prepared to go to trial.

After ruling that Mr. Cimerman would remain on the case, Judge Franks asked Mr. Zielinski if he were interested in a plea agreement offered by the prosecutor’s office. Mr. Zielinski said he was not.