Shocking twist in California murder case as suspect’s attorney arrested in court

A California murder trial ended in a mistrial after the defendant’s attorney was arrested for allegedly being under the influence — then failed to show up for court.

Attorney Christopher Loethen was arrested Sept. 16 at the Stanislaus County courthouse after his condition raised concerns during the murder trial of Kelley Marie Ball, according to the Modesto Bee.

Ball is accused of killing a 12-year-old Modesto girl in a 2020 DUI hit-and-run crash. The biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.

Loethen was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on suspicion of public intoxication, being under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance. He was released from jail later that night.

When Ball’s trial resumed Thursday, Loethen was nowhere to be found. The court made “extensive efforts” to reach him by phone and email, but he did not appear, the Bee reported.

A second hearing was scheduled for Friday, with Stanislaus County Superior Court Judge Valli Israels leaving messages telling Loethen he needed to appear. Israels also addressed Loethen’s behavior before his arrest, saying there had been an apparent change in his demeanor.