[Kevin Shifflett] was stabbed to death April 19 while playing in his great- grandparents' front yard in the Del Ray section of Alexandria. [Gregory D. Murphy] was charged with capital murder in the slaying nearly six months later after police found Murphy's DNA and Kevin's blood in the getaway vehicle. Kevin's blood was also found on a check made out to Murphy, sources said. Murphy has several prior convictions, including an unprovoked attack on a stranger with a hammer seven years ago.

Shapiro and [Joseph Bowman], both qualified by the state to handle capital cases, were appointed last week by [Alfred D. Swersky]--over Murphy's objections. Murphy, who is black, called the white attorneys "racist" and said he wanted them off his case.

Shapiro and Bowman are "racist toward me and this is a racist situation," Murphy told Swersky at last week's hearing. Swersky said the lawyers were "more than qualified" and appointed them anyway, saying he would consider Murphy's request.