No self-rep for man accused in deputy killing
The judge asked Robert Solis — shackled and clutching a stack of papers — if he would be representing himself in a capital murder case in which prosecutors seek to have him put to death.
The judge asked him a second time, but Solis, 50, ultimately decided Friday to stick with his court-appointed lawyers. Jury selection started Friday morning, and in a month’s time, his trial in connection with the 2019 killing of Harris County Sheriff ’s Office Deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal will begin.
“This trial, in an essence, has already begun,” Judge Chris Morton at one point said.
The question led to a lengthy ex-parte hearing Friday before Morton, forced onlookers out of the ceremonial courtroom — purportedly so Solis could waive his attorney-client privileged and outline his grievances against the trio. A handful of prosecutors had gathered to watch whether Solis would choose to represent himself.
Morton presented Solis with two choices: Either he hire an attorney or represent himself.
“I am unable to afford counsel,” Solis said.
He told the judge that, if pos
sible, he would like to reserve the right to represent himself if the need arises.
“You cannot assert that right to be disruptive or delay the trial,” Morton said.
Solis is accused of killing Dhaliwal, a father of three and trailblazing Sikh who fought for his right to wear a turban and beard while serving as a Harris County deputy. A post office in Harris County was later renamed in tribute to the slain deputy. He was fatally shot in September 2019 during a traffic stop.
Solis had a warrant for a parole violation at the time of the shooting.
Solis has attempted to seek another round of court-appointed lawyers for months — taking exception in detailed court records that the lawyers — Allen Isbell, Jimmy Ortiz and Mandy Miller — have failed to communicate with him and treat him instead as a “wayward child rather than a client.”
Miller attempted to defend her client during the tense back-and-forth and encouraged him to limit what he says.
“I don’t think this is the appropriate forum or in the client’s best interest,” Miller said.
Solis complained that the lawyers would not relay his desire for new counsel during prior court appearances. Throughout the motion hearing Friday, the defendant appeared to grasp some of the case law he used to back up his arguments.
Earlier that morning, a panel of more than 130 jurors was assembled in the ceremonial courtroom to fill out a questionnaire in anticipation of the trial.
The process of picking a jury for a death penalty case typically lasts a month, with prosecutors and defense attorneys questioning each potential juror individually.
Some jurors expressed their desire to not return Monday, court officials said.
Solis is being held without bail in the meantime.
The last time Harris County jurors sentenced someone to death was Lucky Ward in 2020.