The trial for Evergreen teenager Justine Winter has been delayed again, to be rescheduled for a currently unknown date.
Winter is accused of intentionally driving into oncoming traffic on March 19, 2009, killing Erin Thompson, 35, and her son, Caden Odell, 13. According to court records, investigators concluded Winter was suicidal after reading several text messages she sent to her boyfriend before the crash.
Flathead County District Court Judge Katherine Curtis approved an order to vacate the Nov. 8 trial date after Winter’s attorneys asked for more time to question witnesses on the prosecution’s witness list.
The request came during what was supposed to be the final pretrial proceeding on Nov. 3. Defense attorney Max Battle told Curtis that the prosecution adding witnesses after September put an unfair amount of work on the defense.
“I’m not asking for a delay for the sake of delay, I’m asking for a delay for the sake of justice,” Battle said.
Curtis said she found it hard to believe that the defense could not accomplish their interviews between Nov. 3 and Nov. 8, and would only consider delaying the trial if Winter signed away her right to a speedy trial.
Curtis also said she was unsure when the two-week trial could be rescheduled, as her schedule looked full for about a year.
Deputy County Attorney Lori Adams said the prosecution would not object to a delay as long as Winter signs the waiver to speedy trial.
Winter faces double homicide charges and will be tried as an adult.