Gholston trial removed from January docket as he hires private counsel from St. Louis

QUINCY — A Quincy man facing three counts of first-degree murder has new counsel, and his January trial has been delayed.

Devere Gholston, 27, appeared in Adams County Circuit Court on Monday morning before Judge Debra Wellborn. Gholston had been represented by public defenders Babette Brennan and John Citro, but St. Louis area attorney Matthew Radefeld entered his appearance for Gholston on Monday.

Wellborn also approved a motion by Radefeld to remove Gholston’s case from the docket. Gholston’s next appearance in court is a status hearing set for Feb. 24.

Gholston’s motion for a continuance on Dec. 9 so he could hire a private attorney was denied by Wellborn earlier this month.

Gholston also faces one count of residential burglary and one count of robbery in the beating death of 67-year-old Robert Schmidt, who died Feb. 17 in his home at 3219 Gross Gables. Hayden Schmidt, 16, also faces three counts of first-degree murder for his connection with the same incident.

Hayden Schmidt allegedly struck Robert Schmidt in the head with a firearm. Gholston allegedly was in the vehicle that drove Hayden Schmidt to the house.

Gholston faces between 35 years and 75 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections if a jury finds him guilty on any of the murder counts. He also faces two aggravated battery charges, both Class 3 felonies, in another case.

Gholston remains in the Adams County Jail on $10 million bond.