Reno man accused of rape, killing, gets new lawyer

<p>RENO, Nev. — The man charged with raping and killing a college coed and sexually assaulting two other women near the University of Nevada, Reno has a new lawyer.</p><p>The Reno Gazette-Journal reports Washoe County Chief Deputy Public Defender Maizie Pusich has taken over as lead attorney for James Biela. She replaces another public defender who left the office for private practice.</p><p>Biela faces a possible death sentence if convicted of raping and killing 19-year-old Brianna Denison, who grew up in Mendocino.</p><p>Authorities say the 19-year-old Denison was abducted while sleeping on a couch at a friend's house in January 2008. Her body was found three weeks later in a vacant lot in southeast Reno.</p><p>Biela also is charged with two other sexual assaults near the UNR campus.</p><p>His trial is scheduled to begin in February.</p><p>___</p><p>Information from: Reno Gazette-Journal, http://www.rgj.com</p>