An amended date has been set for a trial for James Campbell. A full week will be dedicated for the jury trial beginning Monday, Sept. 22 at 9 a.m. in Starke Circuit Court.
Campbell is charged with arson, a Class A felony, to which he has pleaded not guilty. He is accused of intentionally setting a fire at C&C Salvage at the corner of Toto Road and U.S. 35 south of Knox on Thursday, March 20. Eight fire departments were called to the business to put out the extensive fire.
In a hearing held this morning in Starke Circuit Court, Chief Deputy Prosecutor Mary Ryan said the evidence in this case is extensive and the decision to postpone the trial was agreeable on both sides. Ryan said she will need three days to present her case to a jury. Campbell’s Indianapolis attorneys stated that the defense will need at least two days.
A pre-trial motions and instructions hearing will be held on Thursday, Sept. 18 at 10 a.m. CT to make sure both the state and the defense are ready for the trial.
A hard drive containing evidence has been sent to the Indiana State Police Crime Lab for retrieval and that is just one piece that may take time to get back in time for the trial.
Campbell had a $1 million surety bond in this case and that has been posted.
