Second Judge Recuses In Holdenville Murder Trial

Tuesday, July 11th 2006, 9:45 am

By: News On 6

HOLDENVILLE, Okla. (AP) -- The murder trial of a woman charged with killing a pregnant woman in an effort to steal the baby is being delayed because a second judge is stepping down from the case.

Judge Gordon Allen is recusing from the trial of Effie Goodson because Goodson's mother contacted him for legal advice in February when Allen was still in private practice as an attorney.

Judge Gary Snow stepped aside from the case last week after defense attorneys pointed out he had represented Goodson in a juvenile case 25 years ago.

Goodson is accused of killing Carolyn Denise Simpson and Simpson's fetus in December 2003 in an effort to steal the baby.

Prosecutors plan to ask for the death penalty. The defense plans to use insanity as a defense.