The trial for accused child killer Cheryl L. Busch has been delayed from its February date until late March.
Busch, 41, is accused of shooting and killing her 19-month-old daughter with a .357 Magnum in November 2008 on the family’s Shore Road property.
After several delays, including a nine-month stay at a mental hospital to become fit for trial, that trial had been scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Feb. 27 at the San Benito County Courthouse.
Public Defender Greg LaForge had noted before a Jan. 12 review hearing that the defense would have a good idea at that time whether its investigation would be done. It appears the defense is not quite ready because the trial has been rescheduled for 8:30 a.m. March 26, with a trial confirmation March 15, according to court records.
LaForge could not be reached immediately for comment.
A judge in late November ruled for a second time that Busch is mentally competent to stand trial. Previously, Busch spent time at Patton State Hospital after she had been admitted there in March 2010. After she took part in a trial competency program at the hospital, a judge in May ruled she was mentally competent for trial. About five months ago, LaForge filed another motion contending she is mentally incompetent for a jury trial.
She has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity and remains at the San Benito County Jail, while her jury trial is expected to last 10 days.
