
By Howard Packowitz
BLOOMINGTON – The trial of Bloomington triple murder suspect Sydney Mays won’t be held this month as originally scheduled because prosecutors are waiting for reports on scientific evidence.
Instead, Judge Casey Costigan scheduled Mays trial to begin May 13, instead of the original January 14 trial date, for allegedly shooting-to-death three men and critically wounding the four-year old son of one of the victims in June in an apartment at 311 Riley Dr.
Mays has demanded a speedy trial, but an exception to the 120 day rule can be made when the judge determines the state is diligently gathering its evidence, but test results from the crime lab are not ready. In this case, reports won’t be done in time on DNA and gunshot residue from the crime scene.
Mays is charged with the murder of Juan Perez-Mercedo, Corey Jackson, and Nathaniel Pena, and the attempted murder of Pena’s young son.
Two weeks have been set aside for Mays trial. Mays waived his right to a jury trial, and he wants Costigan to decide his fate.
Mays also plans to act as his own attorney, although a pair of public defenders are offering him advise on various legal issues.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]