A Chicago man accused of murdering Dwight Jones, of New Lenox, has petitioned the court for a speedy trial and told a judge Friday, against the advice of his attorney, “I know I can prove my innocence.”
Will County Sheriff’s Police say Rodney Julun, 22, . He has been charged with first degree murder, home invasion, residential burglary, robbery and possession of stolen of motor vehicle.
In court, Julun said he has seen all the evidence against him, and “Don’t nobody know my case like I do,” noting that he’s ashamed of the justice system for not immediately answering his written request and scheduling a trial.
Julun said he can’t afford to spend a year or two behind bars with a young child at home.
Will County Judge Daniel J. Rozak said he has the ability to schedule a trial at any time, but advised Julun to be patience because first degree murder “is the most complicated case to prepare.” He also told Julun to trust his attorney, Michael Renzi, who has “considerably more experience (in criminal law) than you have.”
He added, “Just because you’re entitled to a (speedy) trial within 120 days doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.”
Renzi said he still has to show Julun digital police photos of the crime scene and is waiting on the completion of certain expert testimony.
He said he expects Julun’s trial to begin around April of next year.
The next pretrial hearing was set for Dec. 19.
, are scheduled back in court on Monday, Nov. 21.
Updated at 2:15 p.m.
