LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) -- The lawyer who has represented former state lawmaker Steve Nunn since 2009 has withdrawn as his counsel.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reports that Warren Scoville wrote in his motion to withdraw that Nunn is "currently incarcerated and unable to pay his attorney fees."

Fayette Circuit Judge James Ishmael approved the motion on Friday.

Nunn is serving a sentence of life without parole in the Sept. 11, 2009, shooting death of his former fiancee, Amanda Ross.

Judge Ishmael also rejected a motion for partial summary judgment in a wrongful-death lawsuit against Nunn by Ross' mother.

Ishmael cited a rule that requires the court to appoint an attorney if a prisoner is unable to defend an action.

The judge did not say when he would make the appointment.