Mistrial Declared in Actress’ Slaying

After more than two weeks of testimony, a Van Nuys judge declared a mistrial Monday because of the illness of a controversial defense attorney in the trial of Timothy Scott Roman, who is accused of bludgeoning to death his mother, actress Susan Cabot.

Superior Court Judge Darlene Schempp granted the mistrial after receiving a letter from a doctor for defense attorney Chester Leo Smith, saying the 67-year-old lawyer had heart problems that prevented him from continuing.

Even if Smith, who was hospitalized last week, had not bowed out, relatives of the 25-year-old Roman vowed recently to oust the attorney and seek a mistrial because they were unhappy with his handling of the case.

Roman faces a possible life term in prison if convicted of the Dec. 10, 1985, slaying of his 59-year-old mother, a leading lady in B movies during the 1950s. Roman had pleaded not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity.

Schempp appointed the Public Defender’s Office to represent Roman in the next trial.