The main defense lawyer for the man suspected of abducting and killing an 8-year-old boy he met on the street has acquired a new partner with experience in high-profile murder cases, including an insanity defense.
Pierre Bazile announced in an unusual statement on Friday that he had replaced attorney Gerard Marrone with Jennifer McCann on the team representing Levi Aron. Marrone left abruptly this week, saying in various media reports that he had "moral" issues about representing Aron.
Aron was indicted by a grand jury this week on multiple counts, including first-degree murder and kidnapping. He is accused of drugging Leiby Kletzky, smothering him and dismembering his body.
His lawyers have said he hears voices and has hallucinations.
Bazile announced in a statement that McCann "represented Kathleen Prisco, who famously killed her husband and was found not guilty by reason of insanity this past December."
Bazile also boasted that McCann represented "convicted murderer and dismemberer Nathan Powell and won his appeal for a lesser sentence."
"She has a reputation for being an aggressive attorney who diligently represents high-profile defendants," he added.
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Aron pleaded not guilty at an initial arraignment last week.
Bazile also blasted Marrone for his comments about the case, saying he is "disappointed by Mr. Marrone's press comments."
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