The man accused of raping and killing 19-year-old Brianna Denison, is asking for new representation.

27-year-old James Michael Biela filed a request Monday to remove his court-appointed public defender from the case. Currently, Richard Davies and Jay Slocum, both Washoe County Public Defenders, are assigned to represent Biela. According to court documents, Biela is "unhappy" with his attorneys. His request form states, "I am requesting a meeting with Judge Perry to discuss replacing my lawyers."

A hearing is scheduled for Thursday afternoon at 1:30 to discuss the matter. Judge Robert Perry will have to decide whether a true conflict exists between Biela and his representation.

Under court regulations, Perry can only grant Biela a substitution attorney if he finds that the defendant are so at odds, that it would prevent adequate defense. The conflict must be more than just disagreement over strategy or tactics.

A court document signed by District Attorney Dick Gammick states that the prosecution doesn't know whether Biela has issue with his attorney, or with the Washoe County Public Defenders Office as a whole. The document states that Biela should not be given new attorneys, unless there is a legitimate conflict of interest.

Tune into KOLO 8 News Now at 5:00 and 6:30 for the latest on Thursday's hearing.