Justin DeRyke Trial Delayed Until April

Another delay in the murder trial of Justin DeRyke.

During a brief court appearance Tuesday morning, Effingham County Public Defender Scott Schmidt requested a continuance until the April trial setting.  Schmidt said they cannot be ready for trial this coming Monday as had been scheduled.

Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler had no objection to the request for a continuance.

Judge Marc Kelly rescheduled DeRyke's trial for April 7.  A hearing to consider any pre-trial motions was scheduled for 11am on March 18.

DeRyke is charged with the death of his seven-year-old niece, Willow Long, in Watson in September. He was originally set to go on trial in December.

DeRyke is being held in Effingham County Jail under $5 million bond.