CONCORD - A new motion has been submitted to the New Hampshire Supreme Court requesting a postponement of oral arguments until the status of any potential investigations into three justices becomes clear.

The matter involves the State versus Hassan Sapry, who received a first-degree murder conviction last year in Belknap County Superior Court for the 2019 killing of Wilfred Guzman Sr. inside his Laconia residence.

Defense counsel Mark Sisti stated in the filing that Sapry faces a life-without-parole term and seeks resolution of possible Judicial Conduct Committee reviews before the current court panel conducts oral arguments.

Sisti highlighted that the three justices helped draft a statement with former chief justice Gordon MacDonald concerning Dianne Martin’s removal as court administrator and her later appointment as counsel for Bar Admissions, along with receipt of fifty thousand dollars in earned time.

The Judicial Conduct Committee determined the statement misrepresented events, prompting MacDonald’s resignation from the bench.

One justice reportedly received notice from the investigating attorney that the justices themselves could face exposure due to their role in preparing the statement.

MacDonald stepped down after agreeing to three violations of the judicial conduct code, including failure to avoid the appearance of impropriety, inadequate performance of administrative duties, and improper exercise of appointment authority.

Sisti observed that the disputed statement formed the basis for the committee’s inquiry that ended MacDonald’s tenure.

Justices Patrick Donovan and Melissa Countway participated in Martin’s removal and subsequent reassignment, actions that also figured in the charges against MacDonald for bypassing personnel procedures.

Sisti previously challenged panel composition in the Tyler Twombly matter, securing a brief stay before the court denied the request and set arguments.

In both cases he contacted the Judicial Conduct Committee to inquire about the status of reviews involving Donovan, Countway, and Bryan Gould.

The committee lacks authority to remove justices but may impose unpaid suspensions.

Arguments in the Sapry appeal remain scheduled for November 10.