By AP/KWMU
WATERLOO, Ill – A Metro East man accused of strangling his wife and their two sons says he's too poor to pay for his own attorneys and wants help from the state.
A judge will decide whether 32-year-old Christopher Coleman of Columbia, Ill. is indigent as he claims.
Coleman remains jailed without bond and has pleaded not guilty to three counts of first degree murder.
An affidavit filed on Coleman's behalf suggests his mortgage is $45,000 more than his home is worth, and that Coleman has just $1,000 in assets.
Coleman made a six figure salary as a bodyguard for televangelist Joyce Meyer. He was forced to quit the job after the murders.
Monroe County prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. If Coleman is found indigent, he'd have access to the Illinois Capital Litigation Fund.