Attorneys in DeRyke Case Give Progress Report

(JUSTIN DeRYKE)

Attorneys involved in the murder trial of Justin DeRyke were in court Tuesday morning to give a progress report on evidence gathering and the exchange of information in the case.

The 22-year-old DeRyke is charged with killing his seven-year-old niece Willow Long at the home they shared in Watson on September 7.

During Tuesday's hearing, both sides reported discovery is still pending, in other words more information and evidence is being compiled.  It was noted that the prosecution has turned over information to Public Defender Scott Schmidt who is representing DeRyke in the case.

(WILLOW LONG)

A further pre-trial hearing was scheduled for 11am on November 25.  DeRyke's trial is scheduled to begin December 2 although it's highly unlikely both sides will be ready for trial by that time.  The date was set since it's within the 120-day speedy trial guideline.

DeRyke remains in Effingham County Jail under $5 million bond.