From www.citizensvoice.com- Attorneys for convicted murderer Harlow Raymond Cuadra [pictured] were allowed to step down from the case, Luzerne County Judge Peter Paul Olszewski Jr. ordered.

Olszewski granted attorneys Paul J. Walker and Joseph D’Andrea’s request to be removed from the case during a hearing this afternoon. Cuadra was convicted of first-degree murder in March for the January 2007 killing of Bryan Kocis. Kocis was stabbed to death at his Dallas Township home, before the house was set on fire. Cuadra is currently serving life in prison for Kocis’ murder.

Cuadra appeared by video from a state correctional facility during the hearing. He told Olszewski he cannot afford hiring another private attorney to handle his appeals.

“I don’t have the means any more, your honor,” Cudara said.

In granting the order, Olszewski told Cuadra he would appoint conflict counsel for him, to which Cuadra did not object.