Trial Date Set For Suspects In Seven Killings

INDIANAPOLIS -- A Marion County judge Wednesday set a July 17 trial date for two men charged with killing seven people in an Indianapolis home, but the county's prosecutor said he doubts the suspect facing a death-penalty case could be ready by then.

Desmond Turner, 28, invoked his constitutional right to a speedy trial, meaning it must begin in 70 calendar days -- Aug. 16 in this case -- if he doesn't change his mind.

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Slideshow: Seven Killed In Indianapolis Home

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However, Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi is pursuing the death penalty for Turner, and defense lawyers typically need months to prepare for such trials.

"Defense attorneys really need thousands of hours, according to the professional rules, to get ready for a death-penalty case, so the chances of it going in July are not very good," Brizzi said. "But, we're the state. We've got to be ready regardless."

The other suspect, James Stewart, 30, also faces a July 17 trial date.

The judge signed an order telling Turner and Stewart that they should have no contact with each other.

Turner faces 23 charges, including murder, criminal confinement, robbery, burglary and firearms charges. Stewart faces the same 23 charges as well as two firearms charges.

Brizzi said Tuesday that he will seek the death penalty for Turner, and that he will keep capital punishment an option for Stewart.

Brizzi said he considers Turner and Stewart equally responsible for the killings, but he doesn't believe anyone else was directly involved.

A pretrial hearing for Turner and Stewart is scheduled to be held June 28.

Police said they believe Turner and Stewart killed the relatives during a robbery at 560 N. Hamilton Ave. on June 1, allegedly acting on a false rumor that they would find large amounts of cash and cocaine there.

Also Wednesday, a funeral was held for six of the seven relatives at Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral near downtown Indianapolis.