A Georgetown man charged with killing his ex-girlfriend’s boyfriend during the 2009 Christmas weekend is expected to stand trial next month.
Antonio Thomas, 31, is accused of shooting and killing 31-year-old Irone Michael Canteen inside the Rainey Drive apartment of his ex- girlfriend on Dec. 27, 2009.
Thomas — charged with murder, burglary, assault and battery with intent to kill and kidnapping — is being represented by attorney Stuart Axelrod.
According to Georgetown police, Canteen was at the apartment visiting his girlfriend and her children — ages 8 and 10 at the time. He was about to leave when Thomas reportedly burst in and started arguing with Canteen.
Thomas allegedly pulled out a gun and shot Canteen in the head. The shooting occurred in front of the woman and her two children.
Police said Thomas then pointed the gun at the woman and chased her outside but did not shoot her.
Canteen was transported to Georgetown Memorial Hospital where he died about two and a half hours after being shot.
The trial is scheduled to take place the week of Feb. 27.
A pre-trial hearing took place last week in which Axelrod made a motion to have the 15th Circuit Solicitor’s Office removed from the case, claiming there is a conflict of interest.
Axelrod informed Judge William Miller the deceased is a relative of Linda Canteen, the victim’s advocate for the Solicitor’s Office. He said he feels decisions about the case made by the Solicitor’s Office may have been “clouded” by the fact Mrs. Canteen is related to the victim. Her father is a cousin of Michael Canteen.
As an example, Axelrod said he tried to get the state to agree to let Thomas plead guilty to manslaughter in exchange for a 27 year sentence. The solicitor’s office rejected that proposal.
Deputy Solicitor said he had previously discussed the relationship between Mrs. Canteen and the victim’s family and Axelrod said he did not feel it merited a hearing.
Judge Miller said he does not feel there is any ethical violations and ordered the Solicitor’s Office to remain in charge of the prosecution of the case.
By Scott Harper
sharper@gtowntimes.com
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