Murder suspect seeks to disqualify DA in Klamath Falls case

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (AP) – A man accused of taking part in a murder-for-hire scheme has asked a judge to disqualify the Klamath County District Attorney’s Office from prosecuting his case, alleging a conflict of interest.

The Herald and News reports (https://is.gd/6TADDq ) a former lawyer for Zane Skeen was hired last year as a Klamath County prosecutor. The attorney has since moved away, but Skeen’s current lawyer argues the attorney might have shared confidential information before leaving, giving the district attorney’s office an unethical advantage at trial.

Skeen was charged with murder after a 65-year-old man was found beaten to death in February 2013. Police believe the victim’s wife hired Skeen.

A suspect in a different murder case tried to have the district attorney’s office removed on similar grounds last year. His motion was denied.

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Information from: Herald and News, http://www.heraldandnews.com