Hollister
– A Hollister mother’s second-degree murder trial was postponed
Tuesday until August to allow her attorney time to retest a tissue
sample taken during the autopsy on her 9-month-old daughter.
Hollister – A Hollister mother’s second-degree murder trial was postponed Tuesday until August to allow her attorney time to retest a tissue sample taken during the autopsy on her 9-month-old daughter.
Attorney Greg LaForge, who represents 27-year-old Rachael Marie Menchaca, said the retesting could not be completed before his client’s trial was to begin on May 7. Last week, LaForge learned that the prosecution planned to use the testimony of an expert witness in the field of methadone ingestion.
LaForge plans to have his own expert examine the results so he can prepare Menchaca’s defense.
A new trial date has been set for Aug. 20.
Authorities believe Menchaca’s daughter, Isabella Menchaca, ingested a methadone pill while in her care in September 2006.
Menchaca pleaded not guilty to an indictment of second-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and felony child endangerment in January.
She is being held at the San Benito County Jail in lieu of $100,000 in bail.
