Self-defense case delayed: Judge falls ill, postpones Theodore Edgecomb trial
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The trial for a man accused of killing a Milwaukee attorney is postponed because the judge contracted COVID-19.
Jury selection was set to begin Monday in the Theodore Edgecomb trial, but instead it was a zoom hearing to set a new trial date.
TRIAL POSTPONED: as soon as this was tweeted- trial was delayed.
— Kristen Barbaresi (@KristenBarbar) January 3, 2022
Judge hearing the case is ill, would not confirm if it’s Covid #edgecombhttps://t.co/ygo2BC79vq
"Obviously the case was begin adjourned due to a couple circumstances, COVID-related," said Judge David Borowski. "Some COVID-related, I'll describe them as symptoms of individuals or persons involved in this case and the fact that I tested positive."
Judge Borowski says he is asymptomatic and feels fine.
Edgecomb is charged with killing attorney Jason Cleereman in what police call a road rage incident.
His attorneys say video evidence will prove he acted in self-defense. They're drawing comparisons to the Kyle Rittenhouse case and plan to call the same video expert to testify.
Edgecomb requested a speedy trial, meaning the case had to be heard within 90 days of that request.
"It's unfortunate for everyone involved," said Judge Borowski. "I was certainly prepared to proceed and try the case."
Since the court won't meet the speedy trial demand, Edgecomb, who is jailed on a $250,000 cash bond, could be entitled to a reduced bail.
"The speedy trial demand expires tomorrow," said Aneeq Ahmad, one of Edgecomb's attorneys. "We'd ask for a bail hearing to be over zoom given that the court and maybe counsel and the state may not be available to appear in person."
A bail hearing is set for Wednesday at 9 a.m.
Edgecomb's trial will now begin Jan. 18. It's expected to last about a week.
Edgecomb's attorneys say he will take the stand and testify in his own defense.