MORGANTOWN — Elizabeth Chinn, charged with first-degree murder for allegedly shooting 67-year-old Timothy Pahl to death during a burglary at his home on Old Stewartstown Road on April 22, 2018, will be appointed a new attorney.
The Monday hearing before Judge Phillip Gaujot was scheduled as a motions hearing. Defense Attorney Kevin Tipton began the hearing by saying he wasn’t sure why but Chinn told him she wanted a new lawyer.
“Frankly, I don’t think Ms. Chinn would be happy with any attorney,” Tipton said.
He said Chinn asked why she was still in jail and he told her typically, people accused of first-degree murder don’t receive bond – an answer which upset her.
Tipton said he was still prepared to argue the day’s motions and defend Chinn at trial if her request for a new attorney was denied, “…given the [plea] offer that was tendered and what Chinn said I’m 99 percent confident the matter will end up in trial.”
Monongalia County Prosecutor Perri DeChristopher said she didn’t really have the information the court needed to make a choice but she couldn’t imagine an attorney more prepared to defend Chinn than Tipton given the “substantial” discovery that had already been given to him.
Chinn confirmed she wanted a new attorney when Gaujot asked if that was what she wanted. Gaujot then granted the request and continued her case until his August trial week.
