Times Staff Report

CROWN POINT | Former stripper Ashley Lawrence faced murder charges and lost her private attorney during the same court hearing Thursday.

Lawrence, 18, pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and murder in the perpetration of a robbery in the March 27 slaying of Deshun Bennett, 25.

When Lawrence was first arrested, prosecutors charged her with assisting a criminal -- her boyfriend, Jason Gaboian, 21. Defense attorney Marce Gonzales was hired to represent her.

Gonzales withdrew his appearance Thursday, and Lake Criminal Court Judge Salvador Vasquez found Lawrence to be indigent. On May 31, an appointed public defender is scheduled to make a formal appearance in the case.

Lawrence and Gaboian are being held without bond.