Status hearing slated in murder case

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Another status conference in a murder case will be held next month after one was held Tuesday.

The next status conference in the case of Michael C.R. Stapleton will be held on Feb. 24.

Stapleton, 25, is charged with three counts of murder in addition to other felony charges in connection to the Nov. 29, 2015, death of 4-year-old Brett Jaynes II.

The Champaign County Dispatch Center received a 911 call from Stapleton at 254 Gunn St., North Lewisburg, on that date. He reported Jaynes was non-responsive and experiencing labored breathing.

Following Jaynes’ death, bruises were observed on the head, face, abdomen, buttocks and legs of the child. A medical examiner made the preliminary conclusion that the cause of death was homicide as a result of a hemorrhage due to blunt force trauma to the abdomen and the head, causing internal bleeding.

Court documents state that during Tuesday’s status conference, Champaign County Prosecutor Kevin Talebi informed the court that supplemental discovery was delivered to the defense in the form of Miami Valley Crime Laboratory reports regarding whether alcohol was present in Stapleton’s blood.

Talebi also indicated that anticipatory supplemental discovery remains to be received from the Miami Valley Crime Laboratory regarding whether drugs were present in Stapleton’s blood. He also discussed additional supplemental discovery that was transmitted to the defense.

Attorney Christopher M. Bucci, Stapleton’s attorney, stated that he and Stapleton were making progress through discovery, but the size and volume of discovery prevented him from giving the court more definitive information as to the requested next step in the process at this time.

Earlier this month, Stapleton waived his right to a speedy trial during a hearing and trial dates in the case were moved from February to June 6-10.

If convicted, each murder charge against Stapleton holds an indefinite term of 15 years to life in prison.

Stapleton
https://www.urbanacitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2016/01/web1_stapleton-1.jpgStapleton

By Nick Walton

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Nick Walton can be reached at 937-652-1331 Ext. 1777 or on Twitter @UDCWalton.

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