Man accused of setting woman on fire now serving as own attorney
Two and a half years after a Farmington Hills man was charged with setting a woman on fire, a judge has granted his request to represent himself in court. William Gary Helmer, 65, faces one count each of assault with intent to murder and aggravated domestic violence for the alleged Nov. 9, 2019 incident outside a restaurant in Redford Township.
At a hearing Tuesday morning before Wayne County Circuit Judge Shannon Walker, Helmer said he “can’t see going to trial” with his current attorney because he hasn’t visited him in jail and the two haven’t discussed his case. Helmer also made unverified claims that the prosecution hasn’t been totally truthful and evidence that could be to his advantage has been withheld.
“I’m just trying to get a fair trial, I’m not trying to cause no (sic) problems, really,” Helmer told the judge.
Prior to agreeing Helmer could serve as his own legal counsel, Walker questioned him on his understanding of the risks involved, his education level and more — cautioning him that the assistant prosecutor on the case, Lawrence King, “is an experienced trial attorney.”
“You’ll receive no special treatment, no help from the court…no special help from the court staff,” Walker told him. Helmer will, however, get some assistance from court-appointed attorney Henry Greenwood on matters that Helmer can’t handle while he’s locked up in the Wayne County Jail, the judge said.
Helmer said he realizes the risks, and told the judge he’s represented himself in the past with positive results. He also said he has an associate degree.
King had said he’s ready to proceed to trial, but now needs a few weeks to review motions filed by Helmer. Helmer’s next court date is scheduled for May 20.
The case against Helmer unfolded when bystanders flagged down a Redford police officer after seeing the woman on the ground emitting smoke, according to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office. She was able to speak briefly before being transported to a hospital where she was placed in a medically-induced coma. She suffered burns on more than 45 percent of her body, authorities said. Authorities allege Helmer attacked her because she owed him money.
Helmer was arrested three days later by the U.S. Marshal Task Force.