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Last updated on Thursday, May 12, 2016
(NASHVILLE) - For the second time the trial for the man accused of murdering Indiana University student Hannah Wilson has been delayed.
Daniel Messel appeared in court on Wednesday for a hearing about delaying his trial, which had been set to start June 1.
Messel is charged with murdering the 22-year-old student from Fishers in April 2015. Messel was arrested after police found his cell phone near Wilson's body in a vacant lot at State Road 45 and Plum Creek Road in Brown County. She had been reported missing the day before the discovery of her body.
An autopsy determined that Wilson had died from blunt force injuries to the back of her head. Her body was found about 10-miles northwest of IU's Bloomington campus in Brown County.
Messel's trial was originally supposed to start this past February, but a continuance was granted in the case. Messel's attorney Dorie Maryan asked the judge for another continuance on Wednesday because she says she needs more time for depositions and to review evidence.
During the hearing, Maryan told the judge she's had trouble securing experts who can explain the blood stain patterns and that she's had a hard time understanding the PING data in this case.
She also mentioned that a test jury might be beneficial and expressed concerns about finding an unbiased jury.
Prosecutor Ted Adams told the judge that a test jury would only generate more publicity.
Judge Judith Stewart said she realizes that both sides are diligently preparing for this case, but she also noted that a "lengthy" continuance had already been granted.
"What it boils down to is -- can the defense be prepared to defend Messel?"
Maryan answered, "No."
At that point, Judge Stewart started looking through a calendar to discuss possible trial dates. Maryan had conflicts with other clients who had trials in the month of July, so they started looking at September and October.
Judge Stewart then said "that's too long" and eventually shut her calendar and said she would have to take a look at things.
Around 3:30 p.m., Judge Stewart granted a continuance in the case.
They will all meet again in court today to determine a new date and discuss a possible change of venue.
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