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Judge refuses request to delay Coleman trial

Christopher Coleman, the man who alledgedy murdered wife Sheri and sons Gavin and Garett in Columbia, Ill. Coleman requested a delay in his trial, which a judge refused today. (UPI/Bill Greenblatt)
(UPI/Bill Greenblatt)
Christopher Coleman, the man who alledgedy murdered wife Sheri and sons Gavin and Garett in Columbia, Ill. Coleman requested a delay in his trial, which a judge refused today. (UPI/Bill Greenblatt)

In an update to a story we told you about earlier today, a judge has refused the request of Christopher Coleman's defense to delay Coleman's trial.

Coleman, accused of strangling his wife and their two sons in 2009, is scheduled to go to trial next month.

Circuit Judge Milton Wharton turned away a request by Christopher Coleman's attorneys to push back the Monroe County trial until a newly passed measure that would repeal Illinois' death penalty might take effect.

Prosecutors are seeking Coleman's execution in the killings at the family's Columbia, Ill. home. Though jury selection is to begin Feb. 15, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that Coleman's attorneys wanted the trial until the March deadline for Gov. Pat Quinn to veto the bill.

If Quinn signs the bill or doesn't act, it becomes law July 1.

Coleman has pleaded not guilty and is jailed without bond.