Suspect in DC mansion slayings fires his defense attorneys
WASHINGTON - A man accused in the slayings of a wealthy family and their housekeeper inside a Washington mansion has fired his defense attorneys.
Daron Wint made the decision at the beginning of a scheduled preliminary hearing on Thursday afternoon, which was then postponed. He will once again be represented by public defenders.
Attorney Sean Hanover says he and Wint had a "difference of opinion" that led Wint to dismiss him and a colleague who was handling immigration matters. He added that Wint is "heartbroken" over the deaths of the Savopoulos family. Hanover says he believes there are people who were involved in the slayings who are at large.
Hanover previously said he believes Wint was being "set-up."
Police said in court documents that they believe Wint had help holding the family captive and killing them after receiving a $40,000 ransom.
Prosecutors say the family was held hostage for up to 18 hours before being stabbed and beaten to death. Their mansion was then torched.
Wint faces deportation as a result of the charges.