By AP/KWMU
Potosi, MO – Attorneys for accused kidnapper Michael Devlin went before a judge in Washington County this (Monday) morning, asking that a new judge be assigned to the case.
Attorneys Nathan Corlija and Michael Kielty appeared on Devlin's behalf. Judge Kenneth Pratte approved a change of judge, assigning the case to Judge Sandy Martinez.
Corlija and Kielty say they will request an expedited trial in the Shawn Hornbeck kidnapping case, ensuring it would go to trial in six months.
They said they had planned to seek a speedy trial during today's hearing but decided not to because of what they call "developments."
They wouldn't elaborate, and would not say if those developments included efforts to reach a plea agreement.
The attorneys also plan to seek a change of venue at a hearing next month.
Devlin is also accused of kidnapping Ben Ownby in neighboring Franklin County, and he faces more charges in St. Louis County, along wtih federal charges.