NEW : The judge rejects standby counsel 's argument . NEW : The decision triggers a conflict with the defense counsel . Admitted Fort Hood gunman ` ` is working towards a death penalty , '' he says . He asked for a stay on her order , which would prevent it from going into effect . He faces a life sentence if convicted of 13 murders and two attempted murder counts .
NEW : The judge rejects standby counsel 's argument . NEW : The decision triggers a conflict with the defense counsel . Admitted Fort Hood gunman ` ` is working towards a death penalty , '' he says . He faces a life sentence if convicted of 13 murders and two attempted murder counts .