BORDERLAND
Defendant wants to serve as own attorney
1/13/2014Swanton Township man charged in the slaying of a Toledo man came to court Monday dressed in a suit for his trial but instead told the judge he wanted to serve as his own attorney.
David Zielinski, 34, of 3859 Berkey Southern Rd. is to return to Lucas County Common Pleas Court at 9:30 a.m. today for a hearing on his request to proceed without legal counsel. He is charged with aggravated murder, aggravated burglary, kidnapping, and attempted murder in the July 14 shooting death of Michael Jackson, 20, whom Mr. Zielinski allegedly found in bed with his estranged wife.
Last month, Mr. Zielinski asked Judge Ruth Ann Franks to appoint a new attorney for him, saying he did not trust his appointed counsel, Adrian Cimerman. Judge Franks denied his request.