HOUSTON – The attorney for a man arrested in connection with a murder-for-hire plot filed paperwork Wednesday, requesting a speedy trial and asking for the recusal of the judge hearing the case.
Leon Jacob and his girlfriend, Valerie McDaniel, were charged in March with soliciting capital murder after being accused of trying to arrange the deaths of McDaniel’s ex-husband and Jacob’s ex-girlfriend.
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McDaniel committed suicide in late March by jumping from the River Oaks high-rise where she lived.
Jacob has been in court several times since his arrest, mainly seeking to be granted bond in the case. The judge has denied each request for bond.
It was revealed during his May 4 hearing that Jacob has retained his mother, Golda Jacob, as co-counsel.
Leon Jacob’s other attorney, George Parnham, filed two motions Wednesday. The first was to request a speedy trial for his client. The second requested the recusal of Judge Jim Wallace, but the reason for the request was not immediately clear.
A hearing on the motions is expected in 10 days.
Investigators said Leon Jacob and McDaniel offered $20,000 and two Cartier watches as payment for the hits.
Leon Jacob has a criminal history that includes domestic violence, aggravated stalking, intimidation and cyberstalking, according to court documents.
