Murder suspect will defend himself at death penalty trial
FRANKLIN CASE | Judge: 'You're making horrible, horrible mistake'
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October 25, 2008
BY STEFANO ESPOSITO sesposito@suntimes.com

The man accused of killing pharmaceutical rep Nailah Franklin last year will be allowed to represent himself at trial in a case in which prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty.

Cook County Judge Thomas V. Gainer Jr. granted Reginald Potts' request Friday, but only after repeatedly warning Potts he was making a big mistake.

"Mr. Potts, don't look at me as the enemy," Gainer said. "You understand I think you're making a horrible, horrible mistake that could end up costing you your life?"

"Yes, I do," he replied.

Gainer granted Potts' request to dismiss his private attorney, Robert Johnson, after Potts said he couldn't afford his services. Potts also repeatedly told Gainer that he didn't want a public defender to represent him.

In January, Potts had said he would consider acting as his own attorney if he couldn't find a suitable private lawyer.

Franklin, 28, who lived in University Village, disappeared in September 2007. Her partly decomposed body was found 10 days later in a wooded area of Calumet City. Potts, who had dated Franklin, says he had nothing to do with her death.

Assistant state's attorney Maria McCarthy told Gainer in March that the state was seeking the death penalty it because the murder was "cold and calculated" and occurred while Potts was committing other felonies against Franklin. A trial date has not been set.