Published: October 31, 2006 11:35 pm         

Trial for man who allegedly killed son set for October 2007

TERRE HAUTE — A Terre Haute man accused of fatally stabbing his 4-year-old son has been scheduled for a jury trial on Oct. 1, 2007.

Katron Walker, 33, could get the death penalty, if convicted.

Judge David Bolk set the date Tuesday in Vigo County Superior Court Division 3 as Walker appeared for a pre-trial conference with his public defenders, Jessie Cook and Joseph Etling.

Walker is accused of fatally stabbing 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, the first capital case originating in Vigo County since 1987.

Chief Deputy Prosecutor Sarah Mullican on Tuesday asked Bolk to set a trial date.

Cook told the judge that “barring unforeseen publicity,” the defense would not file a request for a change of venue for a trial outside of Vigo County.

Cook said the defense has not received evaluations or reports from mental health experts and is waiting other materials.

Bolk questioned prosecutors and the defense about the duration of the trial.

Cook said a “minimum of four weeks,” and Mullican agreed.

Bolk scheduled the next pre-trial conference for 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 16.