Delich
The father of the suspected killer of Tucson police officer Erik Hite is trying to communicate with his son through a third party.
He’s asking a Superior Court judge to approve the arrangement.
Brick P. Storts III, the attorney for David Delich Sr., said Thursday his client has had no contact with his son, David “Nick” Delich, since the fatal shooting of Tucson police Officer Erik Hite on June 1.
Hite, 43, died June 2.
David “Nick” Delich faces 10 criminal charges in the case, including first-degree murder.
Hite was shot in the head while pursuing Delich.
In court papers filed March 24, David Delich Sr. asks Superior Court Judge John Leonardo to allow him to hire a private investigator who would serve as an intermediary between his son and him.
Storts said he has not heard from the court on the father’s request for the appointment of a private investigator whose fees would be paid by Delich Sr.
Storts said Delich Sr. “wants to maintain lines of communication” between himself and his son, who faces a hearing April 27 to determine if he is mentally competent to stand trial in the homicide case.
Delich’s attorneys have said he is delusional and unable to assist in his defense.
Storts said Delich Sr. would like to visit his son in jail but has not because the visits are recorded and could be used in court.
Storts said Delich Sr. is simply trying to help his son.
“Dave Delich is a nice man. This will never be over for him,” Storts said.
In a memorandum filed in Superior Court, Storts described the motion as “unique” and said it was filed because the defendant’s father “has had little or no contact with the defendant and has not been consulted on any of the issues relative to the first-degree murder, death penalty charges” Delich faces.
The county prosecutor has said the county will seek the death penalty for Delich.
Delich is being held on $1.25 million bond in the Pima County Jail.