A stockbroker trainee has applied for acourt-appointed attorney as he fights charges that he killed hiswife, a Long Island special education teacher.

William Walsh is accused of strangling his wife, Leah, during afight over his alleged infidelity and then staging an elaborateruse to make it appear she was a victim of random roadsideviolence.

Walsh's current attorney, Karl Seman, said after a brief courtsession Monday that his client has no assets. "The family is animpoverished family with minimal means," Seman said.

A judge set a hearing for Wednesday.

The victim's and defendant's families, who sat on opposite sidesin the second row of the tiny Nassau County courtroom, left withoutcomment.

Walsh, who is being held in protective custody without bail,waived his appearance at Monday's hearing. Although police sayWalsh provided oral and written confessions, Seman has suggesteddetectives made a "rush to judgment" in charging him.

Walsh's brother Thomas was arrested Monday for allegedly trying to sneak in and see his brother in jail. He's been charged with trespassing and resisting arrest.

AP wire reports contributed to this article.

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