ATHENS | Jamie Hood demands new judge | News

ATHENS, Ga. -- Court proceedings for a man accused of gunning down an Athens-Clarke County police officer have been halted after the man demanded that the judge recuse himself.

RELATED | Hearings begin Monday in Hood case

Jamie Hood argued that Judge Lawton Stephens can't be impartial because he's close to an officer Hood is accused of injuring.

Hood is charged with murder in the shooting of Senior Police Officer Elmer "Buddy" Christian on March 22 and with attempting to kill Senior Police Officer Tony Howard.

Stephens gave Hood's lawyers until 5 p.m. Monday to submit a written motion with a signed statement from Hood explaining why Stephens should be removed. If the documents are "legally sufficient" the motion will be referred to a different judge. If not, hearings on pre-trial motions will resume Tuesday.