Anthony Sowell Waives His Right to a Speedy Trial
During his latest pretrial hearing, suspected Ohio serial killer Anthony Sowell waived his right to a speedy trial in order to accommodate his new defense team.
He also agreed to let police fence off the house with barbed wire to preserve evidence, CNN reports.
The waiver of his right to a speedy trial now pushes any trial back to at least mid-2010.
As previously discussed, Sowell, 50, pleaded guilty last week by reason of insanity. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
He faces 85 counts including murder, rape and kidnapping charges following the discovery of the remains at his home.
The remains of 11 women, all African American, were found buried in and around Sowell's house in Cleveland.
In addition to the judge granting a motion to preserve the crime scene by fencing off the residence, Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Richard Bombik said the state hasn't ruled out asking the court to allow the trial jury to visit the house.
Health considerations would be a factor in any decision about a jury walkthrough, he added.
At the hearing, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Timothy McGinty denied a gag order requested by the defense. The gag order would have barred attorneys and police in the case from commenting publicly.
The judge also denied a request for a change of venue, telling attorneys he expects them to follow rules of professional conduct.
A registered sex offender, Sowell served 15 years in prison before being released in 2005.
His next court appearance is scheduled for December 21.
- Cleveland man suspected in 11 deaths allows police to fence home, waives right to speedy trial (Associated Press)
- Ohio rapist Anthony Sowell lived in rotting bodies of women he strangled, say Cleveland police (New York Daily News)
- Insanity Defense (FindLaw)
- U.S. Constitution: Sixth Amendment (FindLaw)