A federal judge has indefinitely postponed the trial of Brailen Lee Weaver, 18, who is accused of killing two people during an attempted bank robbery in Berea, Kentucky. The trial was initially scheduled to begin on July 28 in U.S. District Court in Lexington.
Background
Weaver was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of attempted bank robbery and two counts of causing death with a firearm during a crime of violence. Prosecutors have said that the grand jury also returned special findings that could support a death sentence if Weaver is convicted.
According to court documents, U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom granted a joint request from prosecutors and defense attorneys to continue the case while federal officials complete their review of a potential capital prosecution. The court order, filed on June 17, states that the U.S. attorney general has not yet determined whether the government will seek the death penalty.
Defense attorneys also requested additional time to prepare mitigation evidence that could be presented to Justice Department officials as part of the decision-making process. A status conference has been scheduled for July 22 in Lexington.
On April 30, Weaver allegedly entered a U.S. Bank branch in Berea and fatally shot employees Breanna Edwards, 35, and Brian Switzer, 42, during an attempted bank robbery.
Original reporting: WTVQ (Lexington) — read the source article.
