Merritt’s sentencing delayed, lead attorney asks to withdraw from case
SAN BERNARDINO — James McGee, the lead attorney for Charles “Chase†Merritt filed a motion to withdraw as counsel, citing a conflict of interest, for the man convicted of first-degree murder in the killing of all four members of the McStay family of Fallbrook back in 2010. On Friday, Sept. 27, Superior Court Judge Michael A. Smith ruled that Merritt’s final sentencing will be delayed until Dec. 13 and that defense attorney Rajan Maline will continue to represent Merritt. Joseph and Summer McStay and the couple’s young sons – 4-year-old Gianni and 3-year-old Joseph Jr. – disappeared in 2010 and their bodies were discovered in shallow graves three and a half years later in a San Bernardino desert. Charles â€