Published: September 19, 2006 11:20 pm         

Defense seeks fall 2007 trial for Katron Walker

Case marks first death penalty proceedings in Vigo County since 1987

TERRE HAUTE — Defense attorneys for a Vigo County man accused of murder say they would like the trial to be set for late fall 2007, but they will have to wait at least six more weeks to learn the date.

Katron Walker, 33, appeared in Vigo County Superior Court, Division 3 on Tuesday for a pre-trial conference, along with his public defenders Jessie Cook and Joseph Etling.

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

In June, prosecutors announced plans to seek the death penalty against Walker, marking the first such case originating in Vigo County since 1987.

Deputy Prosecutor Sarah Mullican on Tuesday asked Judge David Bolk to set a trial date. Defense attorneys said it would be unrealistic to determine a date for the trial so soon.

Cook said the team needs to decide whether they intend to file a motion for a change of venue.

Cook, speaking to the Tribune-Star by phone, said capital cases can take “years to litigate. This one is just moving along,” she added. She said a mental health evaluation is expected to take months.

Judge Bolk set another pretrial conference for Oct. 31. Cook said, “If we file a motion for change of venue, we will have it filed by then.”

Walker was expected to be transferred back to the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility in Carlisle, where he has been detained pending trial.



Deb McKee can be reached at (812) 231-4254 or deb.mckee@tribstar.com.