MAN FACING EXECUTION SEEKS ATTORNEY.

Byline: Marianne McCarthy Special to the Daily News

A 22-year-old Pacoima man who faces the death penalty after being convicted of kidnapping and murdering a West Hills teen has three weeks to get a new lawyer, a judge ruled Wednesday.

The sentencing hearing for Ryan James Hoyt was continued until June 6, when Santa Barbara Superior Court Judge William Gordon also will rule on defense motions for a new trial and for modification of the Hoyt's sentence.

A jury has recommended that Hoyt be put to death for the kidnapping and fatal shooting of Nicholas Markowitz, but Gordon could rule that he be sentenced instead to life in prison without parole.

The delay in the hearing was granted after a private, half-hour meeting in which Hoyt sought Gordon's permission to replace defense attorney Richard V. Crouter. Hoyt's reasons for seeking new counsel were not disclosed.

``Even though the request is not as timely as it could be, his reasons seemed valid, especially since we're dealing with the death penalty in this case,'' Gordon told the court.

Crouter could not be reached for comment.

Hoyt was convicted last November 2001 of kidnapping Markowitz from his West Hills neighborhood and holding him for two days before fatally shooting him with nine rounds from an assault weapon.

Prosecutors say Jesse James Hollywood - who remains a fugitive - planned the kidnap and murder because Markowitz's halrother owed him $200 in a drug deal.

Earlier this month, Jesse Rugge, 22, was found guilty of kidnap for ransom. His sentencing is set for June 4.

Other defendants awaiting trial in this case are William Skidmore, 22, of Simi Valley, and Graham Pressley, 18, of Goleta.