Judge Allows Accused Hostage-Taker To Represent Himself At Trial

A man accused of taking felony murder and taking hostages during a deadly standoff will be allowed to represent himself at his trial.  Brian Flatoff has entered a not guilty plea to the 16 charges he faces.  Flatoff told the court the 10 previous lawyers who had been appointed to represent him had failed.  Those attorney changes have delayed the trial several times.  Hostage Michael Funk was accidentally shot to death by police after he escaped the motorcycle shop where hostages were being held.  The trial for Flatoff is scheduled to start March 5^th.