Pocono News Section

Convicted Baby Killer Wants New Trial

Convicted Baby Killer Wants New Trial - Monday, March 30, 2009 at 11:15AM EST

Reported by: David DeCosmo WYOU TV News
Monday, Mar 30, 2009 @ 11:15am EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY- 31-year-old Michael Blakey says he wants a new trial and maybe new attorneys.

Blakey was convicted of first degree murder last October for the beating death of 7-month-old Khayr Cash. Blakey had been watching the child in an apartment he shared with Keturah White, the victim's mother.

Blakey filed an appeal asking for a new trial and initially requesting that his attorneys be replaced because they were 'ineffective.' He told the court he has not seen or spoken with his attorneys since his trial last fall.

Blakey, speaking from the State Correctional Institution at Graterford, said there were errors during his trial beyond those included in his attorney's petition for a new trial.

After withdrawing his immediate request for new attorneys, Blakey's lead lawyer, Paul Walker, agreed to meet with the defendant within 14 days to discuss his concerns and amend the petition for a new trial.

The court told Blakey he can refile his petition for new attorneys at a later date if he feels it is in his best interests. Assistant District Attorney Michelle Olsewski called Blakey's request for a new trial 'routine.'