The 27-year-old homeless man accused of killing a psychiatrist in a Gayborhood hotel may have two public defenders representing him at his next court appearance.
Manuel Baez currently is retaining private-practice attorney Paul Michael Dimaio, according to court records. It’s not clear what motivated the change in representation. Dimaio did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
Philadelphia Municipal Judge David C. Shuter presided over a Feb. 10 preliminary hearing for Baez, which was ultimately continued.
Philadelphia Assistant District Attorney Joanne Pescatore asked for a Feb. 16 status hearing to assure public defenders could be appointed. She recommended Francis Carmen and Susan Ricci because they had previously worked with Baez, whose last known address was in Bethlehem.
Baez faces charges of criminal homicide, robbery and related offenses. He was denied bail and is being held in the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility.
Baez was arrested in connection with the Dec. 21 death of Dr. Howard Baker, 75, of Lower Merion Township.
According to authorities, Baker was staying at Rodeway Inn at 12th and Walnut streets, a couple blocks from his practice in the 1400 block of Walnut Street. A housekeeper at the hotel discovered Baker’s body around 11 a.m. He was naked on the floor with a belt wrapped tightly around his neck.
The cause of death was ruled strangulation, according to Officer Leeloni Palmiero, a Philadelphia police spokesperson.
Investigating officers determined two males visited Baker’s room separately the evening before his body was discovered. The second was seen leaving the room just after midnight with Baker’s wallet and backpack. Authorities contend this person was Baez.
A motive has not been released.