Post by Anja Nieser on Sept 15, 2006 10:14:26 GMT -5
Scheduling conflict delays Steven Bixby's death penalty trial
MEG KINNARD
Associated Press
COLUMBIA, S.C. - The trial of an Abbeville man charged in the shooting deaths of two law enforcement officers will not begin next month as originally planned because of a scheduling conflict in a county 150 miles away.
In August, Judge Alexander Macaulay ruled that the jury for Steve Bixby's trial be picked from Chesterfield County, on the opposite end of the state from Abbeville. Another trial had already been scheduled to begin in that county's only courtroom, which would also be needed for jury selection, said Bill Nettles, Bixby's attorney.
The delay means the trial likely will not begin until next year, Nettles said.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Bixby, 39, who has been charged with murder in the shooting deaths of Abbeville County sheriff's Sgt. Danny Wilson, and state constable Donnie Ouzts on Dec. 8, 2003. The shootings marked the beginning of a 14-hour standoff and shootout between the family and law enforcement officers.
Authorities say the family was angry over plans to widen state Highway 72 in front of their Abbeville home.
Bixby's 77-year-old father, Arthur, has also been charged with murder.
Delays like this, while somewhat frustrating, are not unusual, Nettles said. "It's all part of the game," he said. "We'll be ready one way or the other."
At last month's hearing, Macaulay also that ruled prosecutors can't seek the death penalty against Bixby's 74-year-old mother Rita, who has been charged with accessory before the fact of murder, conspiracy to commit murder and lying to police. Rita Bixby was not at the family home when Ouzts and Wilson were killed, but authorities have said she knew her family planned violence against any police officer on their property.
Prosecutors are appealing that ruling.
While his client is taking the wait in stride, Steven Bixby is ready for his day in court, Nettles says.
"He would have rather it gone sooner rather than later," Nettles said. "He'd like to have this behind him."
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© 2006 AP Wire and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved.
www.myrtlebeachonline.com
MEG KINNARD
Associated Press
COLUMBIA, S.C. - The trial of an Abbeville man charged in the shooting deaths of two law enforcement officers will not begin next month as originally planned because of a scheduling conflict in a county 150 miles away.
In August, Judge Alexander Macaulay ruled that the jury for Steve Bixby's trial be picked from Chesterfield County, on the opposite end of the state from Abbeville. Another trial had already been scheduled to begin in that county's only courtroom, which would also be needed for jury selection, said Bill Nettles, Bixby's attorney.
The delay means the trial likely will not begin until next year, Nettles said.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Bixby, 39, who has been charged with murder in the shooting deaths of Abbeville County sheriff's Sgt. Danny Wilson, and state constable Donnie Ouzts on Dec. 8, 2003. The shootings marked the beginning of a 14-hour standoff and shootout between the family and law enforcement officers.
Authorities say the family was angry over plans to widen state Highway 72 in front of their Abbeville home.
Bixby's 77-year-old father, Arthur, has also been charged with murder.
Delays like this, while somewhat frustrating, are not unusual, Nettles said. "It's all part of the game," he said. "We'll be ready one way or the other."
At last month's hearing, Macaulay also that ruled prosecutors can't seek the death penalty against Bixby's 74-year-old mother Rita, who has been charged with accessory before the fact of murder, conspiracy to commit murder and lying to police. Rita Bixby was not at the family home when Ouzts and Wilson were killed, but authorities have said she knew her family planned violence against any police officer on their property.
Prosecutors are appealing that ruling.
While his client is taking the wait in stride, Steven Bixby is ready for his day in court, Nettles says.
"He would have rather it gone sooner rather than later," Nettles said. "He'd like to have this behind him."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
© 2006 AP Wire and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved.
www.myrtlebeachonline.com