USC Student Murder Trial Defendant Pleads Not Guilty
The dailytrojan.com reported in a story on March 11, 2009 that Travion Ford, suspect in the September 2008 murder of USC student Bryan Frost, pleaded not guilty to one count of murder in Los Angeles. Ford sat in Los Angeles Superior court for his arraignment. Ford’s defense team led by Diane Butko suggested that they will need more time than 60 days to prepare for trial.
Allegations of personal use of a deadly and dangerous weapon charges in California during his arraignment were denied by Ford.
Kennes Ma, Deputy District Attorney, said, “After the preliminary hearing the case goes to trial court. This court now has jurisdiction. It’s a brand new process.”
Judith Champagne, Judge, set the pretrial hearing date for April 9. During this hearing, the prosecution and defense will swap information and motions. The law mandates that Ford has the right to be tried in court within 60 days. The prosecution and defense will continue to trade information until then.
Ma, said, “During that time we will be exchanging different types of motions and discoveries.”
The defense has no new evidence but still needs more time than the 60 days.
“We don’t have a lot of say right now. We’re ready to do this trial today”, Ma said.
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