A Cape Coral man accused of DUI manslaughter on Matlacha appeared appeared in court Monday, requesting a new attorney.
Cody Curtis, 24, is facing multiple charges after being accused of crashing into "That BBQ Place" on Matlacha , killing an 80-year-old woman on April 13.
According to reports, seven months ago Curtis was driving a 1992 Nissan when he veered off the road and crashed into a group of people sitting in the restaurant's outdoor dining area.
Reports revealed Curtis' blood alcohol content was .137%. The legal blood alcohol content limit in Florida is 0.08%.
Three people were injured and hospitalized with serious injuries, and one person was treated for minor injuries, per reports.
NBC2 was in the courtroom in May where it was learned that Curtis is being represented by a public defender. Curtis pleaded not guilty .
On Monday, Curtis made another appearance in the Lee County Courthouse - this time, requesting a new attorney after claiming his current defender said, "all DUI manslaughter cases deserve to rot in prison."
Curtis wrote a letter to Robert Branning, the judge representing the case. In the letter, Curtis claimed his attorney is not working in his best interest.
Curtis also claims he and his attorney rarely meet. According to Curtis, the last time they met was on Nov. 4, when they discussed offers.
The letter states, "As I was showing him the current offer, I than heard him utter under his breath that all DUI manslaughter cases deserve to rot in prison." Curtis' attorney denies making the statement.
After appearing in court, the judge denied Curtis' request to switch counsel because his statement was "not credible."
Curtis acknowledged that what he did was "wrong and serious."
A court date has been scheduled for Dec. 19 at 9 a.m. Curtis' attorney said he hopes they will wrap the case up at that court date as he is urging him to accept a plea deal.
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