GREEN BAY (WLUK) – Prosecutors have asked a judge to rule a defense attorney can’t represent both defendants charged in a 2023 murder.
Christian Rivera-Pica, 41, and Joel Pagan-Garcia, 40, are charged with party to the crime of first-degree intentional homicide for the November 2023 murder of Carlos Otero-Aviles on Green Bay’s west side.
As of now, both men are represented by attorney Heather Richmond. Typically, defendants have their own attorneys, as they may have differing defense strategies, offers from prosecutors and the evidence against them may not the same. At a previous hearing, Rivera-Pica and Pagan-Garcia both agreed they would waive the conflict of interest to allow Richmond to represent them both.
During previous hearings, prosecutors have opposed the tactic, worrying the issues could create items to appeal. Assistant District Attorney Bryant Dorsey has said the state is concerned about a joint trial creating issues which could lead to a successful appeal. He described Rivera-Pica as the shooter and Pagan-Garcia as the driver, meaning they have different levels of culpability. Dorsey has said he planned to call Pagan-Garcia to testify against Rivera-Pica, and would offer him immunity at trial to ensure it happens…