LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Attorneys for a man charged with capital murder in the death of a police officer in northeast Arkansas have asked a judge to reschedule his trial so they have more time to prepare for the case.
The state is seeking the death penalty against Jerry Lard, who prosecutors say killed Trumann Officer Jonathan Schmidt in April.
In court documents filed last week in Poinsett County, Lard's lawyers said they need more time to prepare for the capital case because his life is at stake. Lard's trial is currently slated to begin Feb. 13. His attorneys are asking that the trial be continued at least until July.
One of his attorneys, Jacqueline Wright, and prosecutor Scott Ellington declined to comment Monday.
Lard is being held in a nearby county jail.
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