Judge Delays Fort Hood Shooting Rampage Trial

Judge Delays Fort Hood Shooting Rampage Trial

February 03, 2012
Associated Press
by Angela K. Brown
FORT HOOD, Texas -- The Army psychiatrist accused of killing 13 people during the Fort Hood shooting rampage will go on trial in June, a military judge ruled Thursday after agreeing to a three-month delay.

Attorneys for Maj. Nidal Hasan argued during a hearing at the Army post in Texas that they still lacked key evidence needed to prepare for the March trial. Prosecutors insisted defense lawyers didn't need more time, saying one defense expert was hired nearly two years ago and that he alone has already racked up about $250,000 in fees billed to the government.

The defense had asked for a July trial, but the judge settled for June 12. The trial is expected to last about two months.

Hasan is charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted premeditated murder for the November 2009 attack at the sprawling Army post, which is about 130 miles southwest of Dallas. If convicted, he faces the death penalty.
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