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Riverview father accused of beating and murdering own daughter wants new attorney

Posted at 5:12 PM, Oct 11, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-11 17:12:38-04

A father accused of beating and murdering his own daughter is fighting to get his own attorney, which will delay his hearing.

Nahshon Shannon spoke out at his hearing in the Hillsborough County courtroom and told Judge Margaret Taylor that he and his public defender don't see eye to eye.

The judge was accommodating and gave him more time to prepare.

Shannon said, "I think it is very important that I have some suggestion in this process and I have asked him (his attorney) to ask certain questions and he out right said no."

Judge Taylor agreed to it, although she made it clear she thought it was a bad idea.

"Your attorney is excellent. He is well educated," said Judge Taylor also pointing out his public defender has been a lawyer for 35 years.

But Shannon wouldn't budge.

"From the very beginning we have not had a very good working relationship. I think there is a conflict of interest somewhere," said Shannon.

The 37-year-old is facing murder charges in the death of his own child, 13-year-old Janessa. Her mother, Michelle Mosley was in the courtroom and said she's disgusted by Shannon's move.

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"It just made me angry that he was given all the time he asked for," said Mosley. "He couldn't even look at me."

Judge Taylor gave Shannon two weeks to find an attorney. Prosecutors told Mosley they have a strong case.

ABC Action News reviewed an 11 page document not only spelling the evidence against the Riverview father but the brutality of the crime.

"I don't think in the end he will want to represent himself," said Mosley.

A hiker discovered Janessa's body at the Triple Creek Nature Preserve three months after she went missing. Her remains were found on top of a garbage bag. The documents show animals may have ripped the bag.

An autopsy found she had several fractures and contusions to her mouth, nose and face. Traces of dirt consistent with the crime scene were also found on Shannon's car. And then more disturbing details, six hours before she died, the teen consumed alcohol and used cocaine.

More evidence is expected to come out during the trial.

"He should not get out. He should get everything he deserves because I am never going to get Janessa back," said Mosely.

It was Shannon who first reported his daughter missing but detectives said he waited 39 hours to do so.

The Hillsborough Sheriff's office took criticism in how they handled this case and have changed policies since.

Shannon has an extensive criminal history and will be back in court on October 30.