Arraignment of stepmom charged with killing Zahra Baker moved to Wednesday
(CBS/WBTV/AP) A hearing in the case of Elisa Baker, a North Carolina woman accused of killing her 10-year-old disabled stepdaughter, has been postponed after attorneys spoke with the judge.
Baker, 43, is charged with second-degree murder and obstruction of justice in the death of her stepdaughter, Zahra, an Australian girl who had a prosthetic leg and hearing aids because of her fight with bone cancer.
Lawyers appearing in Catawba County Superior Court Monday said they had spoken with Judge Timothy Kincaid, who agreed to move the hearing to Wednesday morning.
Neither the prosecutors nor the defense would explain the reason for the delay.
Kincaid was to choose the city to which he was going to move the hearing to Wednesday morning.
Defense attorney Scott Reilly filed a change of venue motion arguing coverage in area newspapers and comments on the web "reveal a deep prejudice against" Elisa Baker, reports CBS affiliate WBTV.
Zahra went missing in October 2010 and was found dead months later. Authorities say Baker dismembered the girl's body to cover up her killing.
Baker helped lead authorities to her body parts. She could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted.
Complete coverage of Zahra Clare Baker on Crimesider
