JACKSONVILLE, Fla.-- A baby faced teen just got a got a huge change of pace.
A judge ruled Wednesday morning for substitution of council in his first degree murder case-- which has gained national attention.
"Didn't make much sense to continue litigating the matter. Fighting over the matter. Wasn't good for Cristian, so we all agreed to put this to rest," public defender Matt Shirk said.
Shirk and the public defender's office have been representing Cristian Fernandez for the last 11 months. They've invested 2400 hours into the case and have cost taxpayers 230-thousand dollars in defense fees so far.
Shirk says he takes no offense to new counsel-- in fact, he plans to stay around and help.
"We're ecstatic that a group of lawyers would come together and take on a case pro bono as they have," he continued.
Fernandez new dream team is full of all- stars. Stepping up is: (gfx)
Buddy Schulz and Adam Blank of Holland and Knight, Don Anderson and Melissa Nelson of McGuire Wood, Hank Coxe of Bidell Dittman, Bryan Gowdy of Creedy and Gowdy, and Grady Thomas of Law Offices of Grady Thomas.
With Fernandez being Duval County's youngest murder suspect, it could mean big publicity if the team wins.
Shirk says none of that matters. The only thing that does is going all out for Cristian...and getting him the help he needs.
"The whole goal is to help him. It's a great case. It's a winner. These lawyers will come in and do a great job and we will continue to work with him and do what we can to help this little boy," he said.
Fernandez trial is set to start later this month.
