Associated Press - January 21, 2010 6:44 AM ET

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - The Arkansas Public Defender Commission is asking a Pulaski County judge to reconsider his order that the commission pay for a murder defendant's defense.

Judge Herb Wright has ordered the commission to pay "reasonable" costs for Abdulahkim Mujahid Muhammad's defense.

Commission director Didi Sallings says there is no legal authority for her to pay and that the commission can't afford it. Sallings has also told the judge she won't pay.

Muhammad is charged with capital murder and attempted capital murder in the June 7 shooting death of Army Pvt. William Long and wounding of Pvt. Quinton Ezeagwula outside a Little Rock recruiting office.

Defense attorney Claiborne Ferguson was hired by Muhammad's parents and has said he needs up to $30,000 to pay defense costs.

Information from: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, http://www.arkansasonline.com

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