Even just the little pieces we have heard show the public defenders are filing all the appropriate motions, argued to have the felony murder/robbery charge dropped, argued for lesser charges, etc. It seems like they are making all the appropriate arguments. The judge listens -- then makes his ruling, not in their favor. But it doesn't mean they didn't try. I fully agree with you - I don't think the public defenders are incompetent -- just that their idiot client has given them almost nothing to work with.
It would be too stupid to kill her on Thanksgiving and not the night before in the middle of nowhere.... but we agree, our client is stupid.
Also, who knows maybe that was his plan to kill her the night before if not for his stomach issues...