After Pleading Guilty
In Slaying, He Demurs
Underwood Claims Poor Representation
By PARKER FISH • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com
COOPERSTOWN – Appearing in Otsego County Court today, Joshua Underwood, 26, withdrew his guilty plea in the New Year’s Day slaying of Mark Morrison, 52, in a downtown Oneonta apartment.
He appeared before county Judge Brian Burns, who read his statement into the record that claimed inadequate representation from Otsego County Public Defender Bruce Maxson, and asked for a new lawyer.
Underwood is being held in Otsego County jail after pleading guilty to first-degree murder on Nov. 14 as part of an agreement that included a 20-year prison term.
Today’s appearance was supposed to be a sentencing hearing in accordance with the plea deal.
In the statement read by Judge Burns, Underwood said the public defender coerced him into entering a guilty plea, refused to meet with him on specific occasions, and did not return his calls.
The judge relieved Maxson of serving in the case, and court was adjourned until a new lawyer is found.
