OPELIKA, Ala. (AP) -- A man accused of killing three people at a party in Auburn wants the state to pay for a private investigator to help him prepare his case.

An attorney for Desmonte Leonard filed a request for the state to provide up to $7,500 to hire an investigator because Leonard is indigent. Defense attorney Jeff Duffey recommended former Montgomery police officer Brad Bartlett, who is now a licensed investigator.

Leonard's attorneys also want the state to pay for other expert help they may need to make sure he gets a fair trial on three capital murder charges and two assault charges.

Leonard is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Wednesday in Opelika. District Judge Russell Bush will decide whether to send his case to a Lee Count grand jury.