Stephanie Croston

    The trial has been moved to March, but there's still a long way to go before that time.
     Lucas Peterson, 22, was originally to go on trial Oct. 22 on charges of child abuse resulting in the death of a child and unlawful burial in the death of his daughter, 11-month-old Trista. He pleaded not guilty to each count at his May 15 arraignment.
     Attorneys for both sides are still filing briefs and motions in the case, which is being heard in Seward County District Court.
     At a hearing Oct. 22, Doug Warner of the State Attorney General's Office, which is handling the prosecution, entered 11 transcripts of phone calls between Peterson and his parents and five transcripts of interviews with Peterson and Jennifer Williams, Trista's mother, into evidence.
     Four additional transcripts were to be entered after corrections were completed.
     According to the judge's notes, the defense brief on all issues except R404, a ruling related to prior unconvictions and uncharged misconduct, are due Tuesday, Nov. 13, as is the state's brief on R404.
     The state's response to the defense brief is due Tuesday, Nov. 27, as is the defense's response to the R404 brief. Replies to both are due by Monday, Dec. 10.
     The Hon. Alan Gless, Seward County District Court judge, said he would begin his review after those replies are received. Jury selection for Peterson's trial is scheduled for March 27 and 28.
     Family members reported Trista missing in January.
     Peterson led Seward County Sheriff's officers to Trista's body April 13. She had been buried on a farm in Butler County.
     An autopsy found that Trista died of severe multiple blunt-force trauma to the head, neck and trunk.