One of the defendants in the Texas County murder case is seeking new legal representation, a development that could delay his upcoming trial date.

Cole Twombly, one of five individuals charged in connection with the murders of Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley, had been scheduled to stand trial in February 2027 in a death penalty case.

During a monthly status hearing, an attorney with the public defender’s office informed the court that Twombly’s current counsel is no longer employed by the Oklahoma Indigent Defense System (OIDS).

Court officials said an additional attorney is required before the case can move forward. Until new counsel is appointed, the February trial date may not be feasible.

The court acknowledged the circumstances but emphasized its desire to keep the case on schedule. The director of OIDS has been tasked with appointing new counsel for Twombly.