Trish Mehaffey, CR Gazette –
The murder trial of a Cedar Rapids man accused of killing a cab driver in 2011 was delayed Wednesday due to a medical condition of the assistant Linn County attorney who is prosecuting the case.
The jury panel was sent home about 9:15 a.m. Wednesday and asked to return at 9 a.m. Thursday. The trial is expected to proceed at that time, depending on the condition of Assistant Linn County Attorney Nic Scott.
Jury selection started Tuesday in Story County District Court. The trial was transferred to Story County on a change of venue and is expected to last two weeks. Opening statements may begin Thursday afternoon, if the jury selection proceeds in the morning.
Johnathan Mitchell, 33, of Cedar Rapids, charged with first-degree murder and first-degree robbery, is accused of stabbing to death Cathy Stickley, a Century Cab driver, April 29, 2011. Prosecutors added the robbery charge two weeks ago after information was revealed during depositions that indicate the incident started out as a robbery.
According to a criminal complaint, Stickley was found dead by her vehicle in the 1500 block alley between Second and Third avenues SE. Stickley died of multiple stab wounds to her neck and head.
Gazette reporter Trish Mehaffey will provide live coverage from the courtroom in Nevada as soon as testimony begins. Her live blog provides real time updates on all the court action and allows viewers to comment and interact with her.
