Delay Sought in Trial of Runnion Slaying Case
From Staff and Wire Reports
A lawyer asked Friday for a delay of the January trial of the man accused of kidnapping and killing 5-year-old Samantha Runnion of Stanton in July 2002.
Assistant Public Defender Denise Gragg asked Superior Court Judge William Froeberg to postpone the trial of Alejandro Avila until August because she needs more time to pursue tests. Avila, 27, has pleaded not guilty.
Dist. Atty. Anthony Rackauckas opposed the delay. Froeberg ordered both sides to submit arguments by Dec. 19.
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