Sheley dissatisfied with lawyers

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GALESBURG - A Sterling man suspected in a gruesome beating spree in June that left eight dead in Illinois and Missouri told a Knox County judge Thursday that he is not happy with his attorneys and is mentally fit to stand trial. Nicholas Sheley asked to address Circuit Judge James Stewart during a status hearing. The 29-year-old said he's been "blown off" by his attorneys and accused them of "fast lawyer talk." Reading from a written statement, Sheley told the court he was concerned about how his case was being handled. "I am not looking for advice or sympathy," he said. "I have questions in regards to the law and my understanding my rights." Sheley asked the judge whether he had a say in legal decisions and whether he is allowed his own copies of discovery documents. Sheley also said a fitness hearing was not necessary because he is aware of the charges and what could happen to him. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in the killing of 65-year-old Ronald Randall of Galesburg. "I am fit. I have knowledge of the charges and consequences. I feel my social abilities are above more than normal," Sheley said. Stewart told Sheley his only options are to hire a private attorney certified by the Capital Litigation Trial Board, or to represent himself. He asked Sheley to draft a handwritten motion on how he wants to continue. After he gets it, the judge said he will schedule a hearing. When asked after the hearing if he planned to represent himself, Sheley said people would "have to wait and see." Sheley is charged with kidnapping Randall, hijacking his truck, stealing his wallet and killing him June 28. He is also charged in the June deaths of a 93-year-old Sterling man and an Arkansas couple found dead in Jefferson County, Mo. Police say Sheley is also suspected in the deaths of four people in a Rock Falls apartment. Whiteside County State's Attorney Gary Spencer was at Thursday's hearing and caught Sheley's eye on his way out of the courtroom. "Mr. Spencer, it's a pleasure to see you," Sheley said. "I wish I could say the same," Spencer replied. The Galesburg Register-Mail contributed to this report.