FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - A defense request to have another judge oversee the case of a 9-year-old boy who killed his father's roommate will be considered Wednesday in St. Johns.

Defense attorney Ron Wood and Apache County Attorney Michael Whiting say they fear a plea deal will fall through if Judge Michael Roca remains on the case.

The boy pleaded guilty in February to the shooting death of his father's friend. In exchange, prosecutors dropped charges in his father's killing.

Roca said at an October hearing that he might reject portions of the plea deal and order the boy committed to the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections.

The agreement had outlined treatment for the boy and guaranteed he would spend no time in the state juvenile corrections system.

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