The trial for a Twin Peaks defendant indicted on a rioting charge has now been postponed to Sept. 10.
The trial for Tom Mendez, 44, had originally been scheduled to Aug. 27. However, the defense filed a motion for continuance after the defendant asked to substitute attorney Mark Metzger for Jaime Peña earlier this week.
Peña was retained as an attorney on Aug. 11.
In a hearing on Monday, 19th District Judge Ralph Strother allowed Peña to work along with Metzger to represent Mendez.
On Thursday, Peña stated the motion will allow him to review additional evidence recently entered into the case.
As soon as the judge announced the new trial date, Metzger said he wished to withdraw from the case.
The judge didn’t grant the request after the District Attorney’s Office voiced opposition to the motion.
600 prospective jurors have been summoned for the trial. The jury selection process will start on Friday at 1 p.m.
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