It has been over a year since Brandon Michael Acosta allegedly raped and murdered 15-year-old Timicca Nauta. However, a trial date has not yet been set. But the news that the defense will be moving forward with a second evaluation means that the trial could begin by the end of the year.
Superior Court Judge Vernon Perez indicated in court this morning that the client services division has located a professional to conduct the second evaluation on Acosta.
The request for a second evaluation was filed under seal by Acosta’s attorney, William Pole, and while he could not disclose if the evaluation was a psychiatric one, the court did reveal that it would assist the defense in their case.
Pole indicated that a timetable needed to be set and that they also needed to be advised by the government as to when the FBI could meet in reference to the evaluation.
Perez stated: “There was some challenges locally, I am not aware of any other way to press this, they must be aware of what we are trying to do.”
He further stated that Acosta’s rights to a speedy trial would continue to be observed and once the report from the evaluation is received, trial would be calendared.
A hearing is set for Nov. 26 at 9 a.m.
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