Silicon Valley engineer accused of murdering coworkers decides to represent himself

Calif. man accused of murder to represent himself

SAN JOSE, Calif. — A Silicon Valley engineer charged with fatally shooting three former co-workers has decided to represent himself in his murder trial.

Jing Hua Wu told a Santa Clara County Superior Court judge Monday that he has dismissed his public defender and will act as his own attorney.

Authorities say Wu gunned down three executives at the semiconductor firm SiPort Inc. on Nov. 14 after he was fired. He faces life in prison without parole if convicted.

Wu’s public defender, Michael Ogul, said he advised Wu against representing himself, but it’s his constitutional right to do so. Ogul told the San Jose Mercury News that the decision reflects Wu’s “mental health issues.”

Wu is due again in court Oct. 5.

Information from: San Jose Mercury News, www.sjmercury.com