Jason Young appointed public defenders

Raleigh, N.C. — The state Office of the Capital Defender named two attorneys to represent Jason Young, following his arrest Monday on a first-degree murder charge in his wife's death.

Wake County Public Defender Bryan Collins and Assistant Public Defender Mike Klinkosum have been appointed to handle the case.

Wake County sheriff's deputies arrested Young, 35, Monday in Brevard, where he has been living since the November 2006 death of his wife. He is charged with beating her to death.

Young asked for the public defenders Tuesday, telling Wake County District Judge Jane Gray he could no longer afford the services of Raleigh attorney Roger Smith Jr.

Investigators haven't offered a motive for Michelle Young's death, but search warrants suggest the couple had a "volatile" marriage that included violent arguments and infidelity on his part.

"It's been a long time coming," Wake County Sheriff Donnie Harrison said Monday of Young's arrest. "But cases like this, it takes time."

A judge is expected on Thursday to set a date for a hearing on whether Young will face the death penalty. It is standard practice for defendants in capital cases to be assigned two attorneys.

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Latest Comments

"I think Automatic death no trial or anything why should he even be given a chance to defend himself"

Abolutely. Why should we EVER give the accused the right to defend themselves? It's in the Constitution, but who cares about that thing anyways?

Hans
December 17, 2009 12:41 p.m.

I think Automatic death no trial or anything why should he even be given a chance to defend himself,,, he didnt give his wife or dauther or the baby she was caring an option. He decided what would happen.

dogsrule12cheek
December 17, 2009 11:02 a.m.

Wonder what happened to his high priced attorney Roger Smith. Me thinks ole' Jason snorted most of his money the last few years and now is left with a pair of PDs. I hope he gets fried.

p02h03
December 17, 2009 9:57 a.m.