Friend of suspected marathon bomber wants a new lawyer

The friend of the suspected marathon bomber who faces charges that allegedly lied to federal authorities wants a new attorney.

Khairullozhon Matanov, a former Quincy cab driver and Kyrgyzstan citizen, was charged with obstruction of justice in May, after he, according to prosecutors, played down his friendship with the Tsarnaev brothers during questioning from law enforcement.

Today, the office of his attorney, Edward Hayden, confirmed to the Metro that his client had asked him to withdraw from the case.

Authorities believe two Tsarnaev brothers carried out the bombings at the 2013 Boston Marathon that killed three and injured more than 260.

The younger brother, Dzhokhar, is in custody and awaits a trial slated to begin early next year.

A police gunfight ultimately claimed the life of the elder brother, Tamerlan.