Judge’s order: Whitmire trial re-set for February

An Oconee jury had been selected to hear the case against a man charged with domestic violence second degree, but today’s trial was postponed after a couple of developments that displeased the trial judge. The Hon. Cordell Maddox granted Suzanne Earle’s motion to be relieved as attorney for defendant Billy Whitmire. Court officers say a second development that led to the trial postponement was Whitmire’s announcement that he had come up with new evidence with which to mount his defense. Maddox reluctantly ordered the new trial to be February 25. Whitmire told the judge he’ll try to retain a lawyer on his own. Failing that, Maddox indicated he’ll appoint someone from the Public Defender’s contract to represent the defendant.