News

Actions

Man convicted of killing 12-year-old asks for new lawyer; sentencing hearing rescheduled

Posted
and last updated

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The man who was convicted of killing a 12-year-old girl in Goodlettsville has asked for a new attorney, which will delay his sentencing for a few weeks.

Roy Coons Jr. was supposed to be sentenced on Friday. However, Judge Monte Watkins has rescheduled the hearing for January 22 after Coons asked for a new attorney.

Back in July, Coons was convicted in the 2017 murder of Yhoana Arteaga. Jurors found him guilty on all five counts, which included, second degree murder, felony murder, second degree murder, attempted rape of a child, and aggravated criminal trespassing.

Yhoana was killed on the evening of August 10, 2017. Police said the last time she was seen alive was when she and her mother had lunch together that day at 12:30 p.m. Her mom then received a text message from her at 5:30 p.m. saying there was someone knocking on the door of the home. Police said her mom and two siblings returned home around 6:45 p.m. and found Yhoana dead.

Read more: Roy Coons Jr. convicted of killing 12-year-old girl