Looking Forward:
Criner
Following a DNA backlog and other delays, the trial date for Meechaiel Khalil Criner has been pushed back to August at the earliest by Travis County Judge David Wahlberg. Criner was indicted on a charge of capital murder in connection to the death of dance freshman Haruka Weiser by a Travis County grand jury last June. The two-page indictment accused Criner of sexually assaulting Weiser and killing her by strangulation with “a ligature, a deadly weapon,” as well as other offenses including attempted kidnapping and robbery. Criner’s trial was originally scheduled for late March, but Criner’s attorneys are still awaiting DNA results. Additionally, Margaret Moore, Travis County district attorney, announced in March that she will not offer Criner a plea deal when his trial begins. If Criner is convicted, he will automatically be sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 40 years.
White
Biology junior Kendrex White, the student facing murder charges in the May 1 on-campus stabbing that left three students injured and another dead on the scene, will be represented by defense attorneys Jacqueline Wood and Michael Watson and is scheduled to appear in court later this month. White is currently being held in jail with a bond set at $1 million. Additional assault charges are expected to be filed against White in relation to the three students he injured during the incident. Police said White may have been suffering from mental health issues at the time of the attack. When White was taken into custody and interviewed by police, he said it was possible he used a knife in a manner to hit someone, but that he didn’t remember, according to the arrest affidavit. White also told police “If I did something I don’t remember then I want to be told.” White is expected to appear in court on May 19.
Magee
Daniel Magee, the 18-year-old man facing aggravated assault charges for shooting a security guard in the foot during a party at the Sigma Chi fraternity house last September, is expected to begin pretrial motions in court this summer. This pretrial court date, however, has been pushed back several times since January and is likely to be pushed back again. Magee is expected to appear in court again on May 31.
