Stroupe to fire lawyers, represent himself at Bryson murder trial From staff reports Phillip Michael Stroupe II, charged with murder in the July 26, 2017 death of Mills River resident Tommy Bryson, will be allowed to represent himself at his trial. Superior Court Judge W. Robert Bell of Mecklenburg County agreed Wednesday to let Stroupe represent himself against the charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping and robbery, the office of District Attorney Greg Newman announced today. In a brief hearing in Henderson County Superior Court, Stroupe told the court he wanted to fire his two lawyers and represent himself, Newman said in a news release.