A man who could face the death penalty in an upcoming Bowling Green murder and kidnapping trial will represent himself as his own attorney.

A judge granted the request made by 50-year-old Lawrence Stinnett Tuesday afternoon.

Daniel Kemp was there when the decision was made.

A two hour hearing resulted in that decision Tuesday and much of that time was spent by Judge John Grise explaining the consequences that could lie ahead for Lawrence Stinnett.

"It appears that you are competent to make this decision. Do you believe you are competent to make this decision?" Judge John Grise asked Stinnett Tuesday afternoon.

"Fully," Stinnett responded.

It's what Stinnett has wanted -- a chance to represent himself without his court appointed attorneys Vince Yustas and John Heineman.

"When we had a discussion, it doesn't appear that they agreed to represent me with my strategy. So therefore I have no other choice but to represent myself with my strategy because I'm the one who will pay the consequences if I am found guilty," Stinnett said at the hearing Tuesday.

Stinnett, who has never formally studied law, will now make opening and closing statements, respond to objections and call and exam witnesses, all against Judge Grise's recommendation.

"I believe it's unwise for you to represent yourself," Grise said. "You're not familiar with the law, you're not familiar with court procedures and you're not familiar with the rules of evidence. I urge you not to represent yourself. Do you still wish to represent yourself?"

"I do," Stinnett said.

Stinnett is accused of kidnapping and killing 29-year-old Christina Renshaw in 2006.

Now four years later, Stinnett is often heard speaking out of turn in courtroom hearings.

"Don't interrupt me Mr. Stinnett," Judge Grise told Stinnett on a number of occasions.

It's those outbursts that Grise says won't be tolerated with Stinnett acting as counsel.

"You will be expected to comport yourself and comply..."

"I understand that," Stinnett said.

"And not interrupt me," Judge Grise said. "You will be expected to comply with the rules of decorum of the courtroom. Do you understand that?"

"Yes, I understand that," Stinnett said.

Stinnett also made a motion to have Judge Grise recused from the case, which Grise denied.

As for Stinnett's court appointed team, they can sit with Stinnett and offer "points of law," but Stinnett will be the lead counsel.

The trial is scheduled to begin next Tuesday.