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PROVO — The attorney representing a man accused of shooting and killing a Provo police officer in January has removed himself from the case.
During a hearing in 4th District Court Monday, Matt Frank Hoover’s attorney, Steven Killpack, asked to withdraw himself from the case, citing a conflict of interest that would make it difficult to represent Hoover, according to court records.
Judge Kraig Powell granted the motion and the case was pushed back six weeks. Hoover’s next hearing is scheduled for April 15.
Prosecutors allege Hoover shot Provo police officer Joseph Shinners on Jan. 5 in an Orem parking lot as multiple officers attempted to arrest him. Hoover was charged with capital murder on Jan. 23 in connection with the shooting.
If convicted, Hoover could face the death penalty, though prosecutors haven’t yet decided if they will pursue it.
