What was supposed to be two motion hearings in two separate cases before two separate judges ended with trials in both cases being continued to later dates.

Billy Craig Jr’s attorney, Greg Bell started before Judge Trish Rose asking for a continuance in his drug case because of the amount of discovery in that case, but also his involvement in the murder case. Deputy District Attorney Tom Stanton says that he agrees the amount of discovery is extensive and agreed with the defense that a continuance might be wise. Judge Rose agreed and moved the trial to December 4, with a new motion deadline of October 31.

Then across the hall in Judge Tim Chambers court, there was also a motion hearing scheduled in the murder case where Craig is one of two suspects. Bell also argued for a continuance here as well, He again explained to the judge that there is a mountain of discovery and says he has started going through it, but has yet to gain any traction in going through it. He says he has gotten permission from the Indigent Defense Fund to hire an investigator to help in the defense of Craig, but has yet to find another lawyer to act as co-counsel.

Judge Chambers agreed to a continuance and because of other trials including the trial of co-defendant Charles Christopher Logsdon which is scheduled for October 22, he says he will try to schedule a date after the first of the year, but set a new motion deadline of October 15. The two sides will work to come up with a date that will work for both.

In the drug case, Craig is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell within a thousand feet of a school, attempted sale of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia to package a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and identity theft. The case occurring between June 1 and July 2, 2011.

In the murder case, there will be separate trials for Craig and co-defendant Charles Christopher Logsdon.

Both are charged in association to the murder of a Hutchinson woman, Jennifer Heckel last summer. Other charges against the two include conspiracy to commit first degree murder, conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Craig is also alleged to have been involved in a conspiracy to commit crimes associated with a fake driver’s licenses along with Kylie Hartman and Kasey Pisoni. Pisoni entered a plea in the case, while the charges against Hartman were dropped, however the state could refile the charges. That case is also still pending.

Again, both trials in the drug and murder cases against Craig have been continued.