Published: June 26, 2006 11:23 pm         

Father of slain child appears in court with defense attorneys

A Terre Haute man charged with the murder and attempted murder of his sons returned to court Monday, making his first appearance with his defense attorneys.

Katron Walker, 33, was led into Vigo County Superior Court Division 3 wearing a bulletproof vest — a precautionary measure used in high-profile cases, one law enforcement official said.

Prosecutors announced last week they plan to seek the death penalty against Walker, marking the first such case originating in Vigo County since 1987.

Walker is accused of fatally stabbing his 4-year-old son, Collin, and injuring his 2-year-old son, Monte, late on June 13 near Blackhawk as police responded to an Amber Alert tip providing information about the boys’ whereabouts.

During Monday’s hearing, Walker’s defense attorney Jessie Cook said she was not yet prepared for a trial date to be set.

At Cook’s request, Judge David Bolk scheduled a pretrial conference for Aug. 1.

Cook, a longtime attorney who has had experience with 10 death-penalty cases, has been appointed to represent Walker. She is being assisted by Terre Haute attorney Joe Etling.

Court records show Etling has not yet completed the required hours of training for defense of death-penalty cases, but is scheduled to do so in September. The Indiana Supreme Court approved a temporary waiver, pending Etling’s completion of a two-day seminar. He will serve as co-counsel in the case.

Chief Deputy Prosecutor Sarah Mullican, who was in court Monday representing the prosecution, said she had filed a motion asking for hair, blood and saliva samples from Walker. According to the motion, they are to be used for comparison to evidence gathered by police during their investigation of the crime. Bolk did not immediately rule on the motion.

At the conclusion of Monday’s hearing, Walker ignored reporters questions as he was escorted to the Vigo County Jail. He was expected to be transferred back to the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility in Carlisle, where he will be detained pending trial.

Vigo County Sheriff Jon Marvel said the state prison provides a 24-hour suicide watch and other protection that his staffing levels cannot currently provide.

Karin Grunden can be reached at (812) 231-4257 or karin.grunden@tribstar.com.