Death penalty not sought in Bodhi Tree case, trial continued to April 7

Whether the death penalty will be sought or not in the Bodhi Tree case was expected to be revealed this afternoon. Judge Dale Reinholtsen presiding in Courtroom 4. Elan Firpo for the People. Public Defenders Casey Russo and Heidi Holmquist for the defendant.

District Attorney Paul Gallegos made the decision not to seek the death penalty in the Bodhi Tree case. The case is being continued to April 7 because the defense has to provide a report on an expert witness to Ms. Firpo.

The death penalty was one of the issues which was to be discussed today. The other was a jury questionnaire. The defense presented a Trial Readiness packet to the court. Both the defense and prosecution had agreed on the jury questionnaire.

Witness lists had been exchanged. Ms. Firpo told the Court that the Defense intended to have an expert witness and while she had a CD, she did not have the accompanying report. Therefore, Ms. Firpo requested the trial date be continued.

Ms. Holmquist said the report would be given to Ms. Firpo by the end of the week. Both sides agreed on the April 7 date. Judge Reinholtsen noted based on the list of witnesses, this could potentially be a long trial. There was discussion about questionnaires and jury selection.

April 2 is the Trial Readiness date to discuss any outstanding evidentiary issues.