Chief District Court Judge Doug Walker seemed puzzled earlier this month after his regular court docket was briefly interrupted.

On Tuesday, Feb. 17, the day’s criminal docket was momentarily delayed when Jack Roth, head prosecutor of the Colorado Attorney General’s violent crimes staff, appeared via telephone. Roth announced he wasn’t prepared to argue a defense motion to quash his request for defense files in the 2012 murder of 27-year-old Jonathan Hayes of Dolores.

Public defender Justin Bogan, who originally represented 29-year-old convicted murderer Luther Hampson, filed the motion to suppress the prosecution’s request. Hampson admitted to killing Hayes in 2013.

“I’m curious why we are re-litigating the issue,” said Walker.

Currently serving a 25-year prison sentence, Hampson contends that Bogan provided ineffective legal counsel. Court records reveal that Hampson has also filed a request to withdraw his guilty plea and a petition for post-conviction relief.

Walker set a hearing for oral arguments on April 15.

Convicted and sentenced on May 30, 2013, Hampson was originally charged with first-degree murder as a habitual criminal.

According to court records, Hayes sustained six blunt force impacts to the face and his throat was sliced with a razor blade. Medical records indicate the victim died a slow death. The murder weapon was never recovered.

Hikers reportedly found the victim’s body off CR T on Jan. 14, 2012, a week after Hayes was last seen alive.

Hampson’s new court-appointed attorney is Brad Junge of Grand Junction.

tbaker@cortezjournal.com