John Kastner Murder Trial Postponed Because Of Change In Judge

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, Oklahoma -- The first-degree murder trial of former Tulsa teacher John Kastner has once again been delayed - this time due to the presiding judge's job change.

Judge Clancy Smith has been appointed to a position on the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals, and the case is being transferred to a new judge. The trial was postponed Monday due to the defense attorney's illness.

Kastner, a former teacher at Tulsa's Webster High School, was arrested more than two years ago and charged with murdering his wife Lori.

8/17/2010  Related Story: Murder Trial For Former Tulsa Teacher Expected To Begin Wednesday

The case may be delayed until Monday, or may be rescheduled for September. The name of the new judge and the new trial date is expected to be available by the end of the week.

Smith has been appointed to the position vacated by Judge Charles Chapel, who has retired.
A native of Hugo, Smith has served as a district judge in Tulsa County since 2005. She also served as a special district judge from 1994 to 2005.

She will assume her new duties on September 1.