By  Seamus McGraw  and Mike Wild

January 25, 2006

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Mathews  County, Va.  (Crime Library) — Flanked by sheriff's officers and accompanied by his newly appointed lawyer, part-time photographer and accused killer Ben Fawley made his first court appearance this morning in the murder of 17-year-old Virginia Commonwealth University freshman Taylor Behl.

Ben Fawley

The 38-year-old Fawley, who had been transported to a small holding cell in the courthouse before dawn, in part to avoid the phalanx of reporters who, as expected, gathered outside the courthouse, seemed subdued during the brief hearing before Judge William H. Shaw.

Unshackled, and wearing a dark sport shirt and slacks, he spoke only once, answering "No," in a clear and strong voice when the judge asked whether he could afford an attorney.

William E. Johnson

As expected, the court named William Johnson, a Mathews County lawyer with 15 years' experience, to lead the defense. Veteran trial lawyer Chris Collins, who has represented Fawley since his arrest last fall, will join Johnson. Collins has agreed to work on the case without charge.

The trial is scheduled to begin May 30. Both authorities and Johnson have downplayed reports that the defense may seek a change of venue in the case. In an interview earlier this week with Crime Library, Johnson said he has "great faith in the ability of the people of Mathews to fairly try the case."

Sheriff Danny C. Howlett

Because of the widespread publicity the case has received, Sheriff Danny C. Howlett said jurors in the case probably would be sequestered throughout the trial. The trial is expected to last at least a week.

Johnson has given no hint of how he might try to counter the state's case against Fawley and he made no comment as he left the packed courthouse Wednesday. But Janet Pelasara, the mother of the slain girl, spoke briefly to reporters, saying "we've got our man now...the process needs to go forward."

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