Father accused in child’s death rejects attorney

Kim Smith

Thursday, May 2, 2002 | 9:14 a.m.

Derrick Inkton, defendant in the death of his 8-month-old son, stayed true to his word Wednesday, telling a judge he still intends to represent himself at trial despite the fact he can barely read or write.

In fact, Inkton, 36, even turned down District Judge Donald Mosley's offer to allow Deputy Public Defender Scott Coffee to act as stand-by counsel.

Inkton's son, Jeremiah Lee, was rushed to the hospital in July 2001 after he was found unresponsive in his bed. An autopsy revealed the child died of head injuries consistent with Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Last week, Mosley tried unsuccessfully to persuade Inkton to reconsider his decision to fire Coffee.

In a jailhouse interview with the Sun, Inkton said he believes he will spend the rest of his life in prison whether he represents himself or Coffee represents him.

On Wednesday, Mosley again tried to persuade Inkton to change his mind, pointing out he will likely be unable to read medical reports, given his third grade education.

Inkton said he would simply try to do "the best" he can.

Mosley told Inkton that if he is convicted, the Nevada Supreme Court will not take pity on him just because he represented himself.

Inkton's trial is scheduled for May 13.