MISSOULA – Prosecutors say a man who is accused of murdering two people and putting their bodies into chemical filled tubs killed one of the people because they had sexual relations with his sister.
This and more information came out during a hearing in which lawyers are ironing out last minute details before the trial for Augustus Standingrock begins next month.
Judge James Wheelis has ruled that the defense team can not use that motive as a defense for killing Jackson Wiles unless they can prove it through evidence.
Another issue is finding a jury, which the defense says will be tough because of extensive media coverage. So they could try to have the trial moved.
The court has issued questionnaires to 400 Missoula County citizens in an attempt to find an impartial jury.
The court will hold a status conference on Friday morning to discuss all of latest motions and prepare for the early January trial.
Augustus Standingrock is charged with two counts of deliberate homicide after police discovered the bodies in his home on Strand Avenue in August of 2017.
Tiffany Pierce is also set to be tried for her role in this case.
