AceShowbiz - The man accused of killing Takeoff outside a Houston bowling alley in 2022 has completely overhauled his legal defense team, hiring some of Texas’s most prominent criminal attorneys as his trial approaches.

Patrick Xavier Clark is facing serious charges after prosecutors say he fired shots into a group near the downtown Houston bowling alley on November 1, 2022. The gunfire struck the 28-year-old Takeoff, a member of the rap group Migos, leading to the rapper’s tragic death.

Recent court documents reveal Clark has replaced his former lawyer with Kent Schaffer, a well-known Houston defense attorney recognized for handling complex cases. Alongside Schaffer, Clark has also added seasoned attorneys Dan Cogdell and Anthony Osso to his legal team.

This strategic move comes as prosecutors are reportedly building a strong case against Clark. According to reports from Click2Houston, evidence includes allegations that Clark searched online for methods to obtain fake plane tickets to quickly secure a passport, potentially indicating plans to flee the country. Additionally, he allegedly conducted online searches questioning whether he was a suspect in the case, details that could be damaging in court.

Clark’s previous attorney, Carl Moore, has filed a motion to withdraw from the case, a routine step when a defendant opts for new legal representation. Importantly, court filings emphasize that this change is not intended to delay the trial, which is scheduled for November 2026.

With several months remaining before the trial, the newly formed defense team has adequate time to develop their strategy and examine the evidence prosecutors have gathered. As the case progresses, every piece of information will be crucial in determining the outcome.

The upcoming trial marks a pivotal moment in one of Houston’s most high-profile criminal cases, with the defense aiming to counter the prosecution’s claims with a fresh, experienced legal approach.