LOS ANGELES (MCT) — The chef who told authorities he accidentally killed his wife and then cooked her body to dispose of it, tried to get rid of his attorney Thursday and represent himself.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Rand S. Rubin rejected David Viens’ request, which was made outside the jury’s presence and before the defense’s last witness testified. Rubin said Viens’ attorney, Fred McCurry, had represented him competently and that it was too late in the proceedings for Viens to take over his defense.