A judge has denied a defense request to postpone the triple murder trial of Yosemite killer Cary Stayner. Stayner made his first court appearance today since his highly publicized case was moved to Santa Clara from Mariposa. He could face the death penalty if convicted of murdering Carole Sund, her daughter, Juli and family friend Silvina Pelosso. The three disappeared while visiting the park in 1999.
Stayner´s lawyer sought to have the trial postponed until at least May, saying the defense hasn´t had time to review all the evidence. Superior Court Judge Thomas Hastings today denied the request, but agreed to reconsider the decision next week. Stayner is already serving a life sentence for killing Yosemite naturalist Joie Armstrong.
This post was last modified on 01/31/2009 5:30 pm