Murder suspect wants to represent himself in court
Posted on Thursday, May 8, 2008
BENTONVILLE - Circuit Judge David Clinger did not rule Wednesday on a Gravette man's request to represent himself, but the judge did relieve the Benton County Public Defender's Office from the case.
Joel Zachary Bullard, 28, is charged with murder in the first degree, a class Y felony. If convicted, he could receive a sentence ranging from 10 to 40 years or life in prison.
Bullard is accused of killing his brother - Darrell Ray Bullard - who was last seen in August 2006. Prosecutors believe Bullard killed his brother and disposed of the body by burying it in a shallow grave.
Joel Bullard previously pleaded not guilty to the charge, describing it as "ridiculous."
Last week, Bullard informed the court of his intentions to act as his own attorney.
On Wednesday morning, Chief Public Defender Jay Saxton informed the judge that his relationship with Bullard had gone downhill and Bullard refuses to speak with him. Bullard had also refused Saxton's assistance in getting him appropriate clothing for a jury trial.
Bullard, wearing blue jeans and a Nike hooded sweatshirt, stood between Saxton and Chief Deputy Prosecutor Shane Wilkinson.
Saxton said Bullard wants to wear the jeans and hoodie during his trial.
Saxton has attempted to persuade Bullard against representing himself, but the attempts failed.
"I don't think he'll do a good job," Saxton said. "I think he's going to do himself a disservice."
Clinger agreed the Bullard-Saxton relationship was beyond repair, so the judge relieved Saxton from the case.
Saxton questioned whether Bullard would listen to the advice of any other attorney.
"I hope Mr. Bullard will see that he will need someone to assist him as lead counsel or standby counsel," Saxton said.
Clinger also stressed the importance of having an attorney defending Bullard against the murder charge.
Clinger noted there are usually at least two prosecutors and two defense attorneys involved in murder cases.
"No one tries to do something like this by themselves, " Clinger said. "They usually have backup.
"You can represent yourself," the judge said. "I don't think it's a smart decision."
Bullard did agree to speak with a conflicts attorney from the Arkansas Public Defender Commission.
"The lawyer is going to give you the best advice, but you'll have to make the final decision," Clinger told Bullard.
Clinger scheduled an attorney-status hearing in the case for May 19.
Darrell Bullard's remains were found on March 14, 2007, approximately 200 yards behind his stepmother's property at 10526 Georgia Flats Road in western Benton County. DNA testing confirmed the remains as those of Darrell Bullard. A forensic anthropologist found that he had four broken ribs on his right side and a broken rib on his left side.
Joel Bullard is also charged with domestic battery in the second degree for hitting another brother with a metal chair. The battery case is in Circuit Judge Tom Keith's court. Bullard has also requested to represent himself in that case, and the judge took the request under advisement.
Bullard is being held in the Benton County Jail in lieu of $ 150, 000 bond.
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