John Lee preliminary hearing rescheduled for July
At the request of defense attorneys, a preliminary hearing for John Lee, the suspect in a Jan. 10 shooting spree that left three dead and one injured, has been rescheduled for July 16 and 17.
The preliminary hearing, which was previously set for Thursday, was rescheduled after defense attorneys requested additional time to prepare for the hearing.
“It’s a complex case, and I think it’s understandable that they want to make sure they have enough time to go through all of the materials,” said Latah County Prosecutor William Thompson. “And it’s in everyone’s best interest that Mr. Lee’s attorneys have adequate opportunity to prepare.”
Lee faces three counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated battery in Latah County. He is being held in Latah County Jail without bail.
According to court documents, multiple Moscow Police Department officials have been called to testify at the preliminary hearing.
“Those witnesses who testify will testify pretty thoroughly, pretty comprehensively,” Thompson said.
After hearing testimony, Thompson said the court would decide whether or not there is probable cause to support the charges against Lee.
If probable cause were to be established, the case would then be moved up to Latah County District Court, Thompson said.
Although the prosecution has settled on a list of witnesses, Thompson said if something comes up they would still have the opportunity to change the list in preparation for the hearing.
Dan Stephens to leave UI
University of Idaho officials announced Thursday that University Controller Dan Stephens will leave UI to become the associate vice chancellor for finance and controller for the University of North Texas System.
As university controller, Stephens has served as the chief accounting officer at UI for the past five years.
Stephens will step down May 15, according to a university-wide email from Ron Smith, vice president of finance and administration.
“Dan was instrumental in moving the Division of Finance and Administration (DFA) forward during the last five years and has had a positive influence on DFA and the university’s financial operations,” Smith wrote in the email.
Silver and Gold game includes Homecoming Announcement
The 2015 Homecoming Committee will unveil the theme for the 2015 Homecoming celebration Friday night at the annual Silver and Gold football game.
During the game, which starts at 6 p.m. in the Kibbie Dome, committee members will show a video containing the theme, and members of the Vandal Spirit Squad will toss out T-shirts containing the official logos of the 2015 Homecoming.
Homecoming will take place Oct. 18-24, and conclude when the Vandals take on Louisiana-Monroe in the Dome.
“Homecoming is the biggest and longest running tradition at UI,” said 2015 Homecoming Chair Emily Rasch. “This is a great way to get excited and really kicks off the countdown to Homecoming. We’re excited to share the theme we’ve been working on with the rest of the school.”
Annual UI Relay for Life
The University of Idaho will host Relay for Life Saturday in the Kibbie Dome. The event, which raises money for the American Cancer Society, will begin at 6 p.m. and continue through the night until 8 a.m. Sunday. Interested participants can register at the event Saturday or online at relayforlife.org/UofIdaho. It costs $10 to register.
Last year the event raised $30,000, and organizing committee members said this year’s goal is $35,000. The American Cancer Society programs Road to Recovery and Hope Lodge receive many of the funds raised to provide services to cancer patients. Road to Recovery provides volunteer drivers to transport cancer patients to and from treatments and appointments. Hope Lodge is a place for cancer patients to stay while receiving treatment and allowing them to stay close to their caregivers.