The family of a young Scottsville girl murdered nearly three years ago may see the case go to trial next fall.
A new trial date was set on Tuesday in the capital murder case against Timothy Madden who is charged in the death of seven-year-old Gabbi Doolin.
Allen Circuit Judge Janet Crocker set a September 4 trial date for Madden who is charged with kidnapping, rape, sodomy, and murder. Madden’s original trial was scheduled for July of this year, but got delayed when the defense asked for more time to prepare. After his private attorney stepped aside, Madden was appointed public defender Tom Griffiths who said he can’t guarantee the defense will be ready for trial next fall.
"As much as one year from now seems like a long time, it's not," Griffiths told WKU Public Radio. "If this case goes to trial, it will be one of the shortest time frames of any case I've ever worked on."
Allen County Commonwealth’s Attorney Clint Willis says he can’t imagine a continuation being granted in the case.
"It's really hard for someone to argue that they were given over a year to prepare for a trial when there's three years worth of prep work ahead of it and say we're not ready," commented Willis.
Due to a change of venue, the trial will take place in Hardin County and is expected to take two weeks. Madden is due in court for another pre-trial hearing on December 14.
