Katrina Baur, the mother of Elijah Vue, faces four charges, including chronic neglect of a child consequence is death, in connection with the treatment, disappearance, and subsequent death of the 3-year-old boy. Baur recently wrote the court, asking that her attorney, Amber Gratz, be replaced.

Baur stated that her request is not based simply on a disagreement, but rather on a long-standing and complete breakdown of communication, together with her sincere belief that her defense has not been adequately investigated or prepared, despite her repeated requests over many months.

Opposition from the State Public Defender’s Office

The State Public Defender’s office is opposing Baur’s request, saying that doing so would be ‘inefficient and counterproductive.’ Kathy Pakes, director of the Assigned Counsel Division for the State Public Defenders, objected to the motion, stating that the State Public Defenders has devoted substantial resources to this case over the past 20 months.

Pakes added that a substitution of counsel at this late stage would be highly inefficient and counterproductive to the progress of the case. Furthermore, SPD policy does not permit clients to select their specific attorney; rather, their policies and procedures dictate the appointment of successor counsel.

Baur suggested specific attorneys who could replace Gratz on her case: Amanda Riek and Kirk Obear. Although Pakes objected to this idea, Riek and Obear told the court they could take over the case.

Riek and Obear stated that they are ready, willing, and able to represent Baur should the court grant her request for a change in counsel. They have reviewed the Criminal Complaint, met with Baur several times, and blocked off the currently scheduled Final Pre-Trial and Jury Trial dates on their calendars.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.