CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - West Virginia’s most populous county is preparing to hold its first jury trial since early March after the Kanawha County Courthouse underwent changes to allow for social distancing.
The Charleston Gazette-Mail reports that the trial will begin Monday. Kanawha Circuit Judge Joanna Tabit is schedule to preside over the trial of Cynthia Gatewood, who is accused of fatally stabbing Cheryl Fisher in 2018.
Gatewood’s trial was initially scheduled in late March. However, it was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Tabit says the jury trial will be held in the courthouse’s ceremonial courtroom because it’s large enough to comply with social distancing.
Public access is not permitted in the courtroom, but people may watch the trial via live stream if they request a web link in advance.
Separately, the Supreme Court will return to in-person oral arguments on Tuesday when its fall term begins. All arguments will be webcast live and recorded.
___
Follow AP’s pandemic coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.