Accused cop-killer defends himself in court

An accused cop killer stands his ground, refusing to let a lawyer represent him. Wisner Desmaret is defending his case in court.

He faces the death penalty for shooting and killing Adam Jobbers, an FMPD officer, five years ago.

Desmaret thinks the state attorney Amira Fox has his stand-by attorney, Lee Hollander, in her back pocket. He doesn’t trust Fox, Hollander, or anybody else in the courtroom. Desmaret made it clear on Wednesday he believes he is the best man for the job.

“Why is we having preliminary hearing and we at trial,” Desmaret asked.

“This is not a preliminary hearing. This is jury selection,” the judge responded.

Desmaret is charged with the murder of an FMPD officer and faces the death penalty. Desmaret has a history of mental illness and believes acting as his own attorney is a good idea.

“She’s doing cross-examination,” Desmaret said.

“No, she is not,” the judge responded.

“That lack of education may be a real detriment as you go forward. I can’t give you legal advice and tell you what sustain means or what aggravating factors are,” the judge said.

All week, Desmaret has questioned prospective jurors, the people deciding whether he’s guilty or not. Wednesday, Judge Branning told Desmaret he is wasting time asking what certain legal terms mean and asked Desmaret again if he wants an attorney.

“What you’ve gone through in the last couple days is a fraction of what the trial will be you said yesterday you’re fighting for your life,” the judge said.

“No I will do a better job of representing myself,” Desmaret said.

Then the judge warned Desmaret if he wants to do that he must only ask prospective jurors appropriate questions. And for the first time this week, Desmaret listened.

“What is your opinions on pretrial publicity,” Desmaret asked.

“Would any hardships affect your opinion coming here,” Desmaret asked.

Desmaret’s better behavior on Wednesday didn’t mean there wasn’t trouble in the courtroom. The judge had to excuse three jurors in the afternoon after learning the talked about the case with one another and saying things like “An eye for an eye” clearly judging Desmaret guilty.