Crime & Safety
Marblehead Murder Suspect Requests Another Change in Lawyer
John Devine is accused of killing his girlfriend in the Sparhawk Terrace residence they shared.

Photo: WHDH, 7News
John Devine told a judge Friday that he wanted to replace the attorney tasked with representing him as he faces first-degree murder charges in the December 2014 death of his girlfriend, Tanya Nichols of Marblehead.
The Salem News reported that Devine “got into a lengthy back-and-forth” with Salem Superior Court Judge John Lu when he was in the courtroom Friday for what was supposed to be a status update regarding Devine’s evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital.
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If Lu grants Devine’s request, it would be the third lawyer assigned to the case, The Salem News reported.
Devine is accused of bludgeoning Nichols, 51, in the rented Sparhawk Terrace home they shared. Her body was discovered on Dec. 21, 2014. The couple had reportedly argued the night before.
Find out what's happening in Marbleheadfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
For more on Devine’s most recent court appearance, including more of the exchange between Devine and the judge, check out The Salem News.
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