Attorney for murder-for-hire suspect files motion to withdraw from case

Thursday, March 30, 2017
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The attorney for the man accused of hiring a hitman to kill his ex-girlfriend has filed a motion to withdraw from the case.

Defense attorney George Parnham submitted paperwork Thursday to have himself removed from the case to defend Leon Jacob.
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Jacob and Valerie McDaniel were facing charges for allegedly hiring an undercover police officer to kill both of their exes.

Parnham was at Jacob's side Wednesday when a judge denied bond.

SEE ALSO: Bond denied, history revealed for murder-for-hire suspect


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ABC13 asked Parnham why he wanted to withdraw, but he did not explain.

Attorney in murder-for-hire case discusses decision to withdraw


McDaniel was scheduled to be in court Tuesday, but she was found dead Monday after she apparently jumped off the 7th floor of a condo.



McDaniel ended her life and that will bring her case to a close once a death certificate is given to the court, which leaves Jacob to stand for trial for his alleged role in hiring a hitman.

According to charging records, the pair met the undercover officer -- posing as a hit man -- at an Olive Garden where they discussed plans for the killings and for further payments. McDaniel's ex-husband was allegedly supposed to be killed in a shooting that would be staged to look like a carjacking, according to Tom Berg, Harris County assistant district attorney.
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Jacob is said to have loved McDaniel. His attorney asked the judge if he could be released from jail to attend McDaniel's funeral, but the judge refused.

SEE ALSO: Murder-for-hire suspect pens note before deadly leap off River Oaks high-rise


Houston police found notes inside McDaniel's River Oaks-area condo that detailed instructions concerning her final wishes, including sealed letters addressed to family members.

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