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December 1, 2009

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Man accused of murdering officer not allowed to represent self at trial

Friday, Aug. 13, 1999 | 8:26 a.m.

Washoe District Court Judge Connie Steinheimer ruled against the request Wednesday from Siaosi Vanisi, 29.

She said the case is too complex for Vanisi to represent himself. She said she suspected the request was intended to further postpone the trial, now set for Sept. 7.

Vanisi is accused of killing UNR police Sgt. George Sullivan. Prosecutors say he attacked Sullivan with a hatchet while he sat in his patrol car on the campus a year and a half ago.

Vanisi gave no reason for wanting to represent himself. He is under medication for a manic-depressive condition.

The judge said he "has a history of aggressive and disruptive behavior while at the Nevada State Prison which required aggressive action on the part of the prison guards, as well as several incidents at the Washoe County Jail."

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