Volesky Asks For Extra Council To Defend Thompson

A motion to add a lawyer to Edwin Thompson’s defense was made Tuesday in a Beadle County Courtroom as a number of motions were made prior to Thompson’s March 23rd trial date. Circuit Judge Jon Erickson told Thompson’s lawyer Ron Volesky he would take Volesky’s motion under advisement. Erickson approved a motion exclude time from the 180 day period during which the State must bring him to trial because Thompson was being evaluated at the Human Services Center in Yankton. Some biological evidence has been ordered to be placed in sealed clear plastic bags at the State Crime Lab in Pierre so it can be properly viewed by the defense while keeping the integrity of the evidence intact. Volesky also said he wants a hearing on a psychological exam done on Thompson, that Volesky only recently received. A number of motions related to a four hour video taped interview of Thompson by police will be ruled on after Erickson has a chance to review the tape and transcripts. Deputy States Attorney Jeff Banks says the tape is ready for review but a written transcript is still being made.  A new motions hearing date has not been set.