March 28, 2011 - Scheduling Conference

A Scheduling Conference is scheduled for Monday, March 28, 2011 at 9:00 am before Judge William Barrett in the Third District Court, Salt Lake Department, 450 South State Street, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Update on December 20th Scheduling Conference

The defense had submitted a motion to the judge last week to excuse the defendant from appearing in court Monday. The motion was granted. The defendant was assaulted in jail in October and due to his continued injuries was excused from appearing.

The defense also asked for and was granted a three-month delay. The delay was asked for due to a personal problem encountered by the defense's staff member responsible for completing a key element of the documentation for the defense. The defense also pointed out to the judge how busy they were with other cases. The prosecution objected and asked that the process be moved along as it had already undergone significant delays. Nevertheless, the judge granted the delay after a brief discussion. Another scheduling conference is scheduled for Monday, March 28, 2011.

Update on June 14th Scheduling Conference

The defendant did not show up to this hearing.

The defense team once again asked for another 6-month delay explaining that the initial work is completed, but now it needs to be evaluated by an expert. Apparently, there are not enough personnel resources because capital cases take priority.

The prosecution pushed to get the trial scheduled, but at this point there is another scheduling conference set for December 20th.

Update on May 24th Scheduling Conference

The defense asked for ANOTHER 6 months to get their timeline ready to show the defendant had diminished capacity. They claimed one of their staff was too busy to help get the information ready. Judge William Barrett told them to get what information they did have to the prosecuting attorneys and scheduled another scheduling conference on June 14th.

Update on November 30th Scheduling Conference

More like, "What new BS can the defense come up with?"

Seriously.

The defense is pursuing a "Diminished Capacity" defense. They asked for a 6 month period so they can basically try to prove that the defendant has some sort of mental disorder and had no control over his actions. This after the 3 months they wasted on evaluations that proved he IS mentally competent. I mean, is he a nutcase or not?! Pick one and stick with it!

Another scheduling conference is set for May 24, 2010.

November 30, 2009 - Scheduling Conference

A Scheduling Conference is scheduled for Monday, November 30, 2009 at 9:00 am before Judge William Barrett in the Third District Court, Salt Lake Department, 450 South State Street, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Update on September 28th Arraignment

The defendant plead "not guilty" to his charges. The next court date is November 30, 2009, which I assume is a scheduling conference. Between now and then the defense may file any motions for contested issues and the prosecution has this time frame to decide whether or not to pursue the death penalty.


KSL story here.

Man Arraigned on Charges of Murdering Ex-Girlfriend
KSL.com

WEST VALLEY CITY -- It has been more than a year since the crime, and this morning Charles Gunkel was finally arraigned on charges he murdered his ex-girlfriend.

Charles Gunkel has been undergoing a series of mental competency evaluations since the stabbing death of Molly Robbins last summer. Two weeks ago, those evaluations wrapped up and Gunkel was found competent to stand trial.

Gunkel is charged with aggravated murder, which could result in the death penalty if he is convicted. Prosecutors have not said if they will try this as a death penalty case.