Judge Denies Request To Delay Trial For Man Accused Of Killing TPD Sergeant

A Tulsa judge denied a request to postpone the trial of a man accused of killing Tulsa Sergeant Craig Johnson. David Ware's attorney had asked for the delay because a new judge was recently appointed to the case, since the previous judge was promoted to the appeals court.

David Ware's attorney, Kevin Adams, said this case is too political and will continue to be politicized. He argued it isn't fair to have the trial during an election year.

Adams said because this is a death penalty case, which is a political topic, he feels Ware won't get a fair trial.

Both District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler and the judge, Bill LaFortune, will both be filing for re-election in April, which would be during the first part of the trial.

Ware's attorney said he feels that will politically influence the jury.

Prosecutors quickly argued the death penalty has always been political and that filing for re-election has nothing to do with the trial. They say they are ready to go to trial. Ware's attorney said he was too, until last week.

Adams continued to argue there is a conflict of interest between him and Ware, because Adams feels he isn't being paid enough by the state to represent Ware in a death penalty case. He said he is having to sacrifice his own financial situation, to give Ware to best defense.

The judge will make a decision on that next week.