Bloomington triple murder suspect allowed to defend himself at trial

Posted on November 30, 2018
Mays
A judge has allowed Sydney Mays to be his own lawyer at his trial, which is now set to begin January 14. (Bloomington Police Department)

 

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – Accused triple murderer Sydney Mays of Bloomington would rather defend himself at trial instead of having a public defender represent him.

McLean County Judge Casey Costigan found Mays is capable of representing himself after Mays announced he no longer wants the public defender to represent him.

Mays, 22, faces nine counts of first degree murder and one count each of attempted murder and aggravated battery with a firearm.

He’s accused in the shooting deaths of Juan Perez-Macedo, Corey Jackson, and Nathaniel Pena. Pena’s son, 4, was gravely injured in the shooting at an apartment at 311 Riley Dr. on June 18.

Mays also wanted to exercise his right to a speedy trial. Judge Costigan scheduled Mays’ trial for January 14. It’s expected to last the entire week.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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