Judge moving forward with April 15 trial date for woman charged in 2020 murder
The trial of a woman accused of murder is still moving forward, despite the woman asking the court for more time to find a lawyer.
Last week, Neely Raye Pesognellie Petrie Blanchard fired local defense lawyer Jack Maro because she said he was working with the FBI and doesn't have her best interests in mind. The judge told Blanchard at a hearing held March 27 that her trial is set for April 15 with jury selection.
Assistant State Attorney Toby Hunt told the court it doesn't appear Blanchard is actively looking for an attorney. Hunt said since terminating Maro, she has made 106 phone calls from the jail — and still no lawyer has been hired.
Except in certain circumstances, inmates phone calls are recorded and inmates are aware of the recording. Assistant State Attorney Amy Berndt was in court with Hunt when he made his arguments.
Blanchard's argument
Blanchard disputed the prosecutor's version of events. She said she only has an hour away from her cell each day, and her phone calls have been to loved ones, from whom she has sought help in finding a lawyer.
She told the court that one friend tried to contact famed lawyer and legal commentator Alan Dershowitz, who couldn't be reached. Circuit Judge Lisa Herndon asked Blanchard if she had any luck contacting any local lawyers. She said no. She said local lawyers such as James Tarquin and Bill Ramputi have declined to take her case.
At a hearing held last week in front of Herndon, Blanchard said she wanted to represent herself. At the March 27 hearing, she said she's comfortable representing herself until she can find a lawyer to handle her case.
Hunt told the court Blanchard has made it clear that she wants to represent herself, the case is set for trial, and the state is ready to proceed. Based on the matters discussed during her phone calls, Hunt said, Blanchard appears ready for trial.
He said Blanchard has asked a woman from Canada to file motions for her, which he said is not allowed. It's believed the same person from Canada helped Blanchard file the motion to dismiss Maro.
Judge's decision
Blanchard said she needs outside assistance to file motions because it's the only way she can have communication with the State Attorney's Office.
Hunt told Blanchard she can request whatever she needs in writing and send the letter, without postage, through the jail mail and the state will receive her message.
Blanchard told the judge several reasons why she wants her trial to be continued. First, she needs more time to get a lawyer. Second, she's not prepared for trial. Third, her rights are being violated. And fourth, evidence is being withheld from her.
She said she's planning to mount an insanity defense. Maro was pursuing a similar strategy.
Blanchard said Maro has not given her documents relating to her case. Hunt and the judge said records show Maro has turned over documents connected to the case.
The judge told Blanchard Maro spent a considerable amount of time on her defense and she believes Blanchard is using the ploy as a tactic to keep delaying her trial. Blanchard has been arrested and held on no bond since late 2020.
Hunt gave Blanchard additional paperwork about her case.
The judge told Blanchard she finds her competent to represent herself. She said Blanchard is familiar with the case, is well spoken, and has adequate time to concentrate on her upcoming trial.
Blanchard is charged with second-degree murder with a firearm in the November 2020 shooting of 50-year-old Christopher Hallett.
Hallett was found deceased on the kitchen floor of a Marion Oaks residence. Detectives were told Blanchard was seen confronting Hallett.
Two people, including a child, were found by deputies hiding inside the residence. Blanchard was identified as the shooter, sheriff's officials said.
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Blanchard was arrested in Georgia. Detectives believe Blanchard was not happy with Hallett as she was attempting to get back her children. Officials said Blanchard was not the children's legal guardian.
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Woman charged in 2020 murder needs to be prepared for April 15 trial
