LaShawn R. Cecil, who was charged last week with the murder of Jaclyn Wirth in Norwich in December 2011, will be represented by attorney Bruce A. Sturman, the chief public defender for New London’s judicial district. 

Norwich police and the New London County Cold Case Task Force charged Cecil on Feb. 4 with murder, felony murder, criminal possession of a firearm and criminal attempt to commit first-degree burglary. He is accused of firing at least nine shots through the front door of Wirth’s apartment at 6D East Baltic St. in the Mohegan Common Apartments on Dec. 14, 2011. Wirth, a 26-year-old mother of two, succumbed to her injuries, and her oldest son witnessed her last moments. 

Cecil, who was incarcerated in an unrelated shooting at the time of his arrest, is being held in lieu of $2,150,000. Wearing a neon orange jumpsuit, he made his first appearance Wednesday in the New London court where major crimes are heard. 

Sturman said he would be meeting with Cecil to discuss whether he should have a probable cause hearing in which the state would have to prove to a judge that there is enough evidence to prosecute him for murder. 

The case will be prosecuted by senior Assistant State’s Attorneys Paul J. Narducci and David J. Smith. 

Judge Hillary B. Strackbein granted Narducci’s request to continue to seal an arrest warrant affidavit detailing the case against Cecil and continued the case to Feb. 25. Narducci asked that the warrant remain sealed because the investigation is continuing.