WAVERLY (AP) — A judge has delayed what was supposed to be the first trial connected to the investigation into the 2016 slayings of eight family members in Ohio.
Prosecutors said Monday that both sides agreed to postpone the trial for Rita Newcomb just as jury selection was to begin. Officials didn’t give a reason for the delay.
Newcomb (pictured above, left) isn’t charged with any of the Rhoden family killings but instead is accused of forgery, obstructing justice and perjury.
Her trial is scheduled to start Monday.
The 66-year-old is the mother of Angela Wagner, one of the four suspects in the killings. Wagner’s husband and two sons also have been charged and could face the death penalty if convicted.
All have pleaded not guilty. The judge in the case is prohibiting lawyers and authorities involved from publicly discussing the case.
Authorities said after the arrests in the killings were announced a year ago that a custody dispute between the two families may have been the motive.