WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — Mingo County Prosecutor Michael Sparks is taking himself off the Tennis Maynard murder case.
In a statement released Wednesday, Sparks said there was “an emerging conflict of interest” forcing his hand to take himself off the case.
Maynard is charged with shooting and killing Mingo County Sheriff Eugene Crum April 3 as Crum sat in his cruiser in a downtown Williamson parking lot during a lunch break.
Prosecutor Sparks also said Wednesday he could not discuss the specifics associated with his decision.
The West Virginia Prosecuting Attorneys Institute usually plays a role in appointing special prosecutors after receiving the required paperwork.
Maynard, who is in jail without bail, is scheduled to appear for a motions hearing Oct. 15.