Late reassignment of attorney to murder case leads to a continuance and 5 years of waiting for victim's family

Murder suspect Gearold Sotolongo's case was scheduled for trial assignment on September 11. Defense filed a motion to continue the September 14 jury trial. It was granted by Judge Christopher Wilson after lengthy discussion and remarks.

Trial confirmation was rescheduled to April 5 and April 21. Time estimate is 6 weeks.

Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees is the prosecutor for the case. DA Maggie Fleming appeared on the case today. Deputy Public Defender Wade Orbelian is Sotolongo's attorney.

Ms. Fleming did not object to the motion to continue but said the family had been notified. She was not sure if they had responded but said "it was safe to assume the family would be opposed."

Both Ms. Fleming and Judge Wilson remarked on this being a four year case. It was only recently assigned to Mr. Orbelian. Judge Wilson read off all the names from the Public Defender case that have appeared on this case.

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