Darrell Brooks drops court-appointed attorney, wants to represent himself

WAUKESHA, Wis. - The man responsible for killing six people in the Waukesha Christmas parade attack is dropping his attorney. 

Brooks case changes

What we know:

In paperwork filed on Friday, Feb. 14, Brooks' court-appointed attorney said Brooks wants him to withdraw from the case. 

Darrell Brooks

Michael Covey has been Brooks' attorney for the last two years as part of Brooks' appeal. 

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Brooks wants to represent himself going forward – just like he did before his month-long criminal trial. A jury convicted Brooks of all 76 charges tied to the November 2021 attack. 

Expert weighs in

What they're saying:

"It’s kind of circular reasoning here because I imagine some of the appellate might have to do with the finding that Mr. Brooks was competent in the first place and how that went about.  It’s a tough situation because you’re dealing with a person where the issues of competency are issues in the case – whether at the trial level or appellate level," said Julius Kim, criminal defense attorney. 

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The Wisconsin Department of Corrections says Brooks is currently serving his sentence in an undisclosed, out-of-state prison due to "safety concerns." 

Darrell Brooks

Covey also filed paperwork to extend Brooks' window to appeal for an 8th time. Covey told FOX6 News by email he expects a hearing to be scheduled soon.