Local News in Brief : Hospitalization of Attorney Delays Trial
The trial of a 25-year-old Encino man accused of beating his actress mother to death was continued Wednesday because his attorney was hospitalized, authorities said.
Chester Leo Smith, who is representing Timothy Scott Roman in the slaying of his mother, Susan Cabot, was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Hospital early Wednesday morning, said Ron Wise, a hospital spokesman.
Wise said Smith, 67, was listed in fair condition but declined further comment about the attorney’s health. However, Michael Roman, Timothy’s adoptive father, said that Smith had experienced chest pains.
Van Nuys Superior Court officials said that the week-old trial would resume today unless Smith is unable to appear.
Timothy Roman is charged with first-degree murder in the Dec. 10, 1986, slaying of his mother. However, he is not charged with the special conditions that could bring the death penalty.
Roman has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.
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