By BOB GIBBINS
Press Staff Writer
TAHLEQUAH —
The longtime attorney for a Sequoyah County man convicted in Cherokee County of first-degree manslaughter has withdrawn from the case.
An order has been signed allowing Stephen G. Fabian Jr. to stop representing Jacob Wayne Goodwin. Fabian sought to withdraw because Goodwin has retained another attorney.
Gary R. Buckles, of Poteau, now represents Goodwin, 23, who was convicted last June of first-degree manslaughter, possession of a stolen vehicle and DUI.
A 20-year sentence was recommended by the jury on the manslaughter count. Fabian argued Goodwin should be granted a new trial because District Judge Mike Norman failed to instruct the jury that Goodwin would have to serve at least 85 percent of his sentence before he was eligible for parole or release.
Norman granted the new trial request.
Assistant District Attorney Josh King, who prosecuted the case, appealed Norman’s decision, and the appeal is still pending with the Court of Criminal Appeals.
Buckles is shown on appellate court records as Goodwin’s attorney.
