WESTON, W.Va. — A motions hearing in the case of Lena Marie Lunsford-Conaway is set for July 27 at 2 p.m. The case will appear before Judge Jake Reger in Lewis County Circuit Court.
Publically appointed Defense Attorney Zach Dyer said this hearing is to rule on the hiring of a jury consultant, and not the change of venue request.
If Judge Reger rules to hire a consultant, the jury consultant will gather a report. A separate ruling will be made for a change of venue afterwards, according to Dyer.
Dyer projected the process could be completed by the end of August.
The 34-year-old former Lewis County woman is charged in the 2011 disappearance of her then 3-year-old daughter Aliayah Lunsford.
Police issued a warrant for Lunsford’s arrest last November. She was arrested by local authorities in Pinellas County, Florida, and extradited the next day.
Dyer is joined on the defense by his father, Tom Dyer. They have suggested Mingo County or Boone County as possible relocation areas for a trial, if Judge Reger agrees to their motion for a change of venue later this summer.
Jury selection in Lewis County is currently scheduled for October 10. The trial is set to begin October 12.