CEDAR RAPIDS — A judge will allow an Alabama man charged with trying to kill three officers during a high-speed chase on Dec. 31, 2025, in Eastern Iowa to represent himself during his trial in August.
Thornhill, after asking Reese questions last Friday during a hearing to access his understanding of his case and court procedures, granted his request. However, the judge also appointed Jeremy Elges, Reese’s original lawyer, to remain as standby counsel for Reese.
Samuel Reese III, 32, of Center Point, Alabama, asked 6th Judicial District Judge Ian Thornhill if he could defend himself during his Aug. 17 trial in Linn County District Court. He had sent letters to the court, claiming his defense attorney wasn’t available when he called him to discuss his case. He said the attorney also hadn’t gathered all the discovery or evidence in the case that Reese wanted…