CHARLOTTE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A judge has delayed trial for the man accused of killing Dickson County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Daniel Baker until at least July 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Steven Wiggins was charged with first-degree murder in the death of Sgt. Baker back in 2018. He also faces federal carjacking and firearms violations charges.
During a hearing Monday morning, Judge David Wolfe granted a continuance motion, which allows for a delay in the trial. After conferring with the state and Wiggins' attorneys, Wolfe tentatively set the trial date for July 29.
Wolfe said because the state is seeking the death penalty, there’s a “heightened standard of due process” in the case.
The trial, which has already been rescheduled more than once, was set to take place in November of this year. However, the defense had asked for more time so they could conduct psychological testing, which has also been delayed due to the pandemic.
Wolfe also cited the difficulty in maintaining COVID-19 protocols in bringing in an outside jury. As of now, they will continue seeking the same jury panel from Knoxville.
Wiggins is accused of shooting and killing Baker at the intersection of Highway 46 and Bear Creek Valley Road in 2018. He and his attorneys appeared for the hearing via Zoom.
