FARMINGTON — A Layton man accused of killing his wife and dumping her body in the bathtub to make it look like a drowning is still working on getting an attorney, but a somewhat annoyed judge ordered him to come up with something concrete by next week.
Richard Stuart Carlson, 52, is charged with first-degree felony murder and second-degree felony obstruction of justice in connection with the February death of his wife, Joann Carlson, 48. He remains in the Davis County Jail pending his hiring an attorney.
Richard Carlson has repeatedly asked the judge if he could have a public defender, but his military pension, house and other assets make him ineligible. At one point, he had hired defense attorney Gregory Skordas, but Skordas withdrew from the case.
Carlson appeared before 2nd District Judge Michael Allphin on Monday and was told by the judge that some arrangements must be made by next week.
Defense attorney Aric Cramer said his firm is in the process of working out an agreement to represent Carlson, but the firm is waiting to receive certain paperwork.
Allphin scheduled a preliminary hearing for Sept. 12, and also set another hearing for Aug. 16 in which he can be apprised of who will be representing Carlson in court. The judge directed Cramer to inform him "if there are any problems at all" so the issue can be addressed.
Carlson remains in the Davis County Jail without bail.