SANDPOINT, Idaho A judge has denied defense attorneys' requests to withdraw from Keith A. Brown's murder case, saying they are adequately representing their client.

After closing a portion of the hearing to protect attorney-client privilege, First District Judge Fred Gibler denied the requests by public defenders Isabella Robertson and Janet Whitney to withdraw because Brown might file Idaho State Bar complaints over their handling of the case.

The 47-year-old Brown and his 26-year-old wife are scheduled to be tried separately this summer for first-degree murder in the shooting death of 48-year-old Leslie Breaw, at Priest Lake in January 2007.

The Browns also are charged with grand theft by possession of stolen property.