Attempted-murder defendant attacks lawyer in San Diego courtroom

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A defendant in a San Diego attempted murder trial attacked his attorney Thursday morning in front of jurors and two dozen horrified high school students.

The defendant slashed the cheek of attorney William Burgener with a razor, said officials with San Diego County Superior Court.

Three defendants, all alleged to be members of the Mexican Mafia, are on trial for allegedly attempting to murder a fellow prisoner. The alleged attacker was identified as Eduardo Macias,32.

Burgener was taken from the courtroom on a stretcher with a large bandage over his face. The attacker was subdued by bailiffs, and the courtroom was cleared.

Superior Court Judge Peter Deddeh set Friday for a hearing on whether the trial should resume. The students, from Grossmont High School, were in the court as part of a field trip to watch the judicial system in action.

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-- Tony Perry