Aaron Thompson will be able to keep his court-appointed attorneys, a judge ruled today.
Arapahoe County prosecutors had asked that the two public defenders representing Thompson in the death of his daughter be removed because witnesses scheduled to testify had been represented by the Public Defender’s Office in the past.
But Judge Mark Hannen denied the request.
Thompson faces 60 charges in connection with the death of his 6-year-old daughter, Aaroné. He was indicted earlier this year.
Thompson reported Aaroné missing on Nov. 14, 2005. He and his common-law wife, Shelley Lowe, were considered “persons of interest” in the case. Lowe died a year ago of a heart attack.
Thompson had been represented by prominent Denver attorney David Lane, but Lane requested to use state money for investigation of the charges, and the court did not agree, so he left the case.
Thompson is now represented by public defenders Jim O’Connor and Mitch Ahnstedt. Ahnstedt argued that Thompson could not afford a lawyer because he is indigent.
If convicted of just the first charge of the indictment, child abuse resulting in death, Thompson could be sentenced to up to 48 years in prison. There were no murder charges among the 60 counts.
Aaroné’s body has not been found.
Staff writer Carlos Illescas can be reached at 303-954-1175 or cillescas@denverpost.com.
