Dally Prosecutors Argue for Joint Trial

Disputing defense attorneys’ claims, prosecutors argue in a motion filed this week that there is no reason why accused murderers Michael Dally and Diana Haun should not be tried together.

Dally and Haun are facing charges of murder, kidnapping and conspiracy in the slaying of his wife, Sherri, last year. If convicted, they could be sentenced to death.

Under state law, two people charged with the same crime must be tried together unless a judge orders a separation.

Defense attorneys have argued that Dally, 37, and Haun, 36, should be tried separately to prevent the possibility of defense strategies that pit one defendant against the other.

In addition, Haun’s attorneys say that an antagonistic defense by Dally could force Haun to take the witness stand to refute any damaging statements that may come out at trial.

But considering the number of witnesses expected to take the stand and the nature of the case, prosecutors say it makes more sense to have one trial. And, they argue, Haun cannot be forced to testify.

“The present case is a capital case which will require a lengthy trial and the calling of many witnesses,” prosecutors write in their motion.

“Judicial economy, minimization of the burdens on the witnesses and the effectiveness of the fact-finding process would all be furthered by a single trial,” the motion states.

A hearing on the issue is set for June 16.