By Howard Packowitz
BLOOMINGTON – The lawyer for a former Twin-Cities pastor accused of breaking his infant daughter’s legs and one of her arms said he plans on putting up a “substantial” and “vigorous” defense.
Defense attorney Scott Kording made the comment in court after McLean County Judge Casey Costigan denied a defense motion for a directed verdict that would have cleared Matthew Everly of the accusations.
Everly, 26, was a minister at Normal’s Eastview Christian Church before prosecutors filed 11 charges back in May, including aggravated battery of a child, aggravated domestic battery, and reckless conduct.
In a courtroom filled with Everly’s supporters, the judge said prosecutors have presented sufficient evidence to move forward with the trial.
Judge Costigan mentioned there were three people who had access to baby Olivia, who was two weeks old when she suffered the broken bones. The judge noted Everly tried to minimize his role in the case in statements to authorities, and a doctor testified she believed the injuries didn’t happen by accident.
Kording, Everly’s lawyer who will be sworn in as an associate judge next month, declined to say whether he’ll call Everly as a witness.
The defense presents its case on Monday. Everly opted to have Judge Costigan decide the case instead of a jury.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
