LISBON — A defense motion for the appropriation of funds for a private investigator was granted recently in the aggravated murder case against Curtis D. Holland, an alleged shooter in the 2021 murder of Brycen Douglas.

Holland’s defense attorney, Rhys Cartwright Jones, made the request to hire Neil Zoldan as a private investigator to assist the defense in the case. Columbiana County Common Pleas Court Judge Scott Washam approved the appointment for not more than $1,500.

Holland was charged last year with aggravated murder and murder, both unclassified felonies, a third-degree felony of having weapons while under disability and two firearm specifications. He’s accused of causing Brycen’s July 15, 2021 death and of using a weapon when he was prohibited from having or using a gun due to a previous drug conviction.

His jury trial remains set on Oct. 5, with a status hearing set for 11:30 a.m. April 2.