Trial date set in Winona Ryder shoplifting case after plea deal efforts fail

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) _ Actress Winona Ryder will go to trial next month on charges she stole designer merchandise and illegally possessed painkillers <br><br>Superior Court Judge Elden Fox set Oct.

Thursday, September 19th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) _ Actress Winona Ryder will go to trial next month on charges she stole designer merchandise and illegally possessed painkillers

Superior Court Judge Elden Fox set Oct. 7 as the trial date Wednesday after plea bargain negotiations broke down.

Deputy District Attorney Ann Rundle didn't describe the offer made to the actress or say why it was withdrawn.

Ryder, 30, is charged with second-degree burglary, grand theft, vandalism and possession of a controlled substance. She could face three years in prison if convicted.

Ryder, star of ``Girl, Interrupted,'' didn't appear in court.

Shepard Kopp, one of Ryder's attorneys, wouldn't entirely rule out the possibility of further negotiations.

``You never say never,'' said Kopp, adding: ``Winona is looking forward to the chance to prove herself innocent of the charges.''

Sandi Gibbons, a spokeswoman for the district attorney's office, said a settlement can even be reached in mid-trial, but that it was unlikely.

``I fully expect there will be a trial,'' she said.

Ryder was arrested Dec. 12 at the Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills for allegedly stealing nearly $6,000 worth of designer merchandise and illegally possessing painkillers.