Opinion ID: 3045004
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Third Wicker Murder Conviction (1991)

Text: On June 6, 1991—after the reversal of Arthur’s second conviction and sentence—the trial court appointed Harold Walden and William Del Grosso as counsel for Arthur’s third trial. The trial court scheduled Arthur’s third trial for December 1991. Immediately before his third trial, Arthur advised the trial court that he was concerned about his appointed counsel, Del Grosso. Although Walden and Del Grosso visited Arthur several times at the prison, Arthur claimed that they had not responded to his many letters and phone calls. After two complete trials and successful appeals and because of his concerns regarding Del Grosso, Arthur requested leave to participate as co-counsel during 6 Case: 12-13952 Date Filed: 01/06/2014 Page: 7 of 53 his third trial. The trial court permitted Arthur to act as “co-counsel” with his appointed attorney, Harold Walden, and appointed Joseph Walden as additional co-counsel. The trial court assigned Del Grosso to serve as “stand-by counsel.” During his third trial, Arthur—in consultation with his court-appointed cocounsel Harold Walden and Joseph Walden—actively conducted much of the voir dire, examinations, and arguments. Arthur cross-examined all of the prosecution witnesses and presented four defense witnesses. Arthur did not testify. Arthur’s appointed counsel also actively participated in examining witnesses, delivering opening and closing statements, and making objections. In December 1991, for a third time, Arthur was convicted for Troy Wicker’s murder.