A Butler County public defender will continue representing homicide suspect Sean Ernest Williams after they reconciled their disagreements Friday, June 26, over the handling of the case.

Williams, 38, is accused of homicide by Butler police who allege he shot Christopher Waggett, 47, of Butler, Nov. 4, 2024, outside of an American Avenue home following an argument.

According to an affidavit, Williams and Waggett were among a group of people inside a home on American Avenue when the two men got into an argument.

Waggett left, but returned, and he and Williams got into another argument. Waggett walked away, but a witness told police Williams took a gun from a woman’s purse and walked in the direction of Waggett, according to the affidavit.

Waggett said something to Williams and knocked a bottle out of Williams’ hand. Williams then shot Waggett, according to the affidavit.

On Friday, Assistant Public Defender Michael McFarland told Judge Joseph Kubit that Williams sent Kubit a letter May 29 via the clerk of courts office requesting his removal as his attorney because he has been ineffective.

McFarland said the letter questions his ethics and integrity, and claims he has failed to answer Williams questions and pursue arguments, and has filed too many continuances.

“He insists I pursue arguments that are not relevant,” McFarland said.

He said the claims were baseless and not true, and have caused an “irreparable breakdown of our relationship.”

On June 12, McFarland filed a motion to be withdrawn as Williams’ attorney.

Withdrawing now would not interfere with the efficient administration of justice because a trial has not been scheduled. Some discovery material from the district attorney’s office has been received, and more discovery material is expected, McFarland said.

McFarland is doing a capable job of representing Williams and should remain his attorney, said Assistant District Attorney Mark Lope, who filed an objection to McFarland’s motion to withdraw as counsel.

He said McFarland is waiting for a report from an expert witness.

At a hearing in May, McFarland presented a motion seeking reports from pathology, toxicology, DNA and firearms experts testifying for the prosecution.

“Mr. McFarland is very skilled and competent and deliberate,” Kubit said.

Being thorough is necessary in homicide cases, he said. It takes time for attorneys to prepare. A new attorney would not be able to take over the case and be ready for a trial in 30 days, he added.

McFarland and Williams talked things over during a brief recess, and Williams agreed to keep him as his attorney. Kubit then denied McFarland’s motion to withdraw.

A status conference is scheduled for July 20. Williams is being held in the Butler County Prison without bail.