Tracy Ferriter, the mother accused of keeping her adopted son locked in a box-like structure, is once again without an attorney after her latest legal representation withdrew from the case today. This marks the second lawyer Ferriter has lost in two weeks, leaving her scrambling to find new counsel with a trial looming just 60 days away.
Marc Shiner, who was hired just two days ago, requested a continuance from Judge Howard Coates, citing the need for more time to prepare for the complex case. However, Judge Coates, unwilling to delay the trial further, denied the request and granted Shiner a maximum of 60 days to get ready. Faced with this limited timeframe and potential ethical concerns, Shiner withdrew from the case, leaving Ferriter back at square one.
Shiner asked Judge Howard Coates today for more time to get up to speed.
The judge said he’d expect Shiner to be ready for trial within sixty days, since it was supposed to start next month.
Just last week, Ferriter’s previous attorney, Jennifer Marshall, abruptly quit the case citing an “irreconcilable difference” with her client. This left Ferriter’s defense in limbo, a worrying development given the serious charges she faces: aggravated child abuse, child neglect, and false imprisonment.
Ferriter’s husband, Timothy Ferriter, was already convicted and sentenced to five years in prison for his role in the abuse of their adopted son. Now, with the clock ticking towards her own trial and two lawyers having stepped down, the pressure is mounting on Tracy Ferriter to find new legal representation and prepare for what could be a life-altering court battle.
Judge Coates has ordered Ferriter to return to court on January 4th, where she will likely be assigned a public defender if she is unable to secure private counsel by then. With the burden of proof resting on the prosecution, the coming weeks will be crucial for Ferriter and her new legal team as they build a defense and prepare for a trial that could determine her fate.
Watch the following video of the “Boy in a Box” Trial | Psychological Analysis of the Box.
