BY STEPHEN H. COWLES/CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Playback58@tidewaternews.com

COURTLAND—Tuesday’s sentencing for murderer Rasheed Ahmad Brown of Franklin was delayed after he asked to dismiss one of his attorneys.

Judge J. Warren Stephens complied with Brown’s request and rescheduled the 22-year-old’s sentencing to 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 24, at the Southampton County Circuit Court.

Brown was convicted on March 13 of the kidnapping and shooting death of Darrin Lee, 28, on Oct. 7, 2010, at Southampton Meadows Mobile Home Park. The jury recommended he serve life in prison plus 33 years.

Brown was among six arrested for Lee’s death. At least one defendant testified that Brown was the triggerman in the robbery gone bad.

Attorney Michael J. Fasanaro Jr., who co-represented Brown at his trial, filed to withdraw owing to unspecified complaints from Brown about the counselor.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Eric Cooke had no objection.

Attorney Stephanie Pass remains as counselor to Brown.

Pass will subpoena witnesses, if necessary, who can speak on Brown’s behalf in the hopes that his sentence might be reduced.