An attorney for a Houston teenager charged with first-degree murder in the death of another teen last year northeast of Cabool is asking a judge to drop the case or disqualify the death penalty.
In a filing May 2, Andrew J. Vrba’s attorney also wants to stop the attorney general’s office involvement in the case. The office’s participation is common in death penalty cases. Vrba is represented by a state public defender.
Vrba, 18, is charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action and abandonment of a corpse in the September death of Joseph M. Steinfeld, who went by “Ally” and planned to transition to a female, according to family members. Authorities allege the victim was stabbed and the remains burned.