•May 22, 2019•
By Mike Brothers

Judge Hugh Finson ruled there was no conflict in Michael Yost’s defense, denying a new trial request for the 2015 murder of Sheri Randall of Sullivan.
Judge Finson explained public defender Brad Rau’s representation of Randall seven years prior to his representation of Yost on murder charges did not represent a per se conflict as argued by Shelby County public defender Walter Lookofsy on Yost’s behalf.
Moultrie County States Attorney Tracy Weaver cited a Supreme Court case denying a per se conflict on unrelated past representation.
“In analysis of the facts of the case, fundamental is the thread of knowledge,” Weaver told the court.”He (Rau) does not recall representing Ms. Randall.”
Lookofsy argued the defendant does not have to demonstrate anything except the victim and Yost were both represented by public defender Rau.     Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story.