Attorney Withdraws from Representing Green Bay Homicide Suspect

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Attorney Heather Richmond has withdrawn from representing Christian Rivera-Pica, one of two men charged in a 2023 homicide in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Rivera-Pica and Joel Pagan-Garcia are accused in the shooting death of 30-year-old Carlos Otero-Aviles, who was killed at an apartment complex. While Richmond is still listed as Pagan-Garcia's attorney, a motion hearing is scheduled to potentially disqualify her from that case as well.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex legal proceedings involved in high-profile homicide cases, including potential conflicts of interest for defense attorneys. The withdrawal of Richmond as counsel for one of the suspects raises questions about the strength of the prosecution's case and the defendants' legal strategies moving forward.

The details

According to court records, Rivera-Pica faces two charges related to Otero-Aviles' death, while Pagan-Garcia is charged with first-degree intentional homicide. Witnesses say Otero-Aviles was attending a child's birthday party when he was shot in the parking lot of an apartment complex. Rivera-Pica's charges indicate he was involved but did not pull the trigger. In December, the state filed a motion to disqualify Richmond from representing both men, and on Tuesday, she responded by moving to withdraw as Rivera-Pica's counsel.

• The homicide occurred in 2023.
• In December 2026, the state filed a motion to disqualify Richmond from representing both defendants.
• On February 17, 2026, Richmond moved to withdraw as Rivera-Pica's attorney.
• A motion hearing to potentially disqualify Richmond from representing Pagan-Garcia is scheduled for February 27, 2026.

What’s next

A motion hearing is scheduled for February 27, 2026 to potentially disqualify Heather Richmond from representing Joel Pagan-Garcia as well.