Judge grants continuance in Amherst County murder trial amid counsel dispute

AMHERST COUNTY, Va. (WSET) — The murder trial of Michael Lee Perry III was continued Tuesday as the Amherst County Circuit Court worked through ongoing questions surrounding Perry's legal representation. The judge granted Perry's motion for a continuance, acknowledging that the delay was not what either side wanted but saying the court was 'between a rock and a hard place' because of the amount of procedural back-and-forth in the case. Perry also asked to continue representing himself, withdrawing his previous request to have his standby attorneys reappointed as his defense counsel. The issue stems from a dispute over the role of Perry's standby attorneys. The Commonwealth previously filed a motion seeking to remove the standby counsel. The attorneys themselves also asked to withdraw, saying they are being placed in a hybrid role where they're assisting Perry while also working with expert witnesses, which they and the Virginia State Bar believe presents an ethical problem. Perry told the court that he believes proceeding without standby counsel would make his case unfair, saying he understands that he "can't have his cake and eat it too," but he feels like he's being forced to have defense attorneys reappointed. SEE ALSO: Defendant seeks to reinstate attorneys in Amherst County murder case However, because the judge has not yet ruled on the motion seeking to remove the standby attorneys, Perry decided Tuesday to proceed pro se, meaning he will represent himself. Perry has represented himself since April of 2026 and has previously told the court he wants control over his defense. The latest developments add another layer to a case that has faced repeated delays and changes in defense representation. Perry is charged in connection with the August 2023 death of Avriel Hooks, his estranged wife. Avriel Hooks (Credit: Ashley Pittman) He faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder of a witness, disposal of a dead body on private property and abduction by force or intimidation. Perry has maintained his innocence and told the court Tuesday that he wants the "best chance possible" to "prove his innocence" come trial. Hooks was reported missing in August 2023. Her body was found about a week later on private property in Amherst County. SEE ALSO: 'She is everywhere': Family still awaiting trial 3 years after Avriel Hooks' murder The case has seen several changes in defense attorneys. Five attorneys have been appointed during the proceedings, with attorneys leaving the case for reasons including health, conflicts and employment changes. In February, Judge Jeffrey Bennett granted another continuance after Perry's newly appointed defense attorney said she needed additional time to review a large volume of case materials and prepare for trial. It was the fourth continuance of the then-scheduled five-day jury trial. Perry's trial had most recently been scheduled to begin Oct. 5. The latest continuance means that date will no longer be the start of the trial. The court will need to resolve the outstanding questions surrounding Perry's standby counsel and his decision to represent himself before the case can move forward to trial. Those are expected to be taken up in October.