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Judge Delays Custer County Triple-Homicide Trial to February Over Late Alibi Witnesses

The ruling aims to avoid appeal risk following prosecution claims that two late defense endorsements introduced an alibi.

Overview

  • A new three-week jury trial is set for Feb. 2–20 in Fremont County, replacing a 10-day trial that was scheduled to start next week.
  • Judge Lauren Swan ruled the disputed defense endorsements operate as an alibi notice and allowed the parties to seek a continuance or exclude the testimonies.
  • Prosecutors said they need more time to prepare under the alibi framing, and neither side opposed the delay during Wednesday’s hearing.
  • Victims’ relatives, including survivor Patty Daulton and Josh Wade, urged a quicker resolution and described ongoing trauma from the 2023 shootings.
  • Hanme Clark remains held on a $2 million bond at the Fremont County Detention Center on three first-degree murder and related assault charges, while co-defendant Nancy Medina-Kochis awaits a Dec. 1 trial on accessory counts after posting bond.