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Judge to decide if army officer accused in Clearwater murder can return to base before trial

 
Published Nov. 19, 2015

A Pinellas judge is expected to decide today if a U.S. Army officer accused of murdering a Clearwater man will be allowed to return to base before his trial starts.

The defense will argue that Maj. Roman Izzo, 37, should be allowed to salvage his decorated military career in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where he was based before his arrest. Attorney Stephen Romine will also point to evidence that shows Izzo may not have been in Clearwater at the time of Vincent Lee's murder based on testimony from the medical examiner that shows Lee, 43, may have died later than authorities reported.

There is no physical evidence tying Izzo to the November 2011 killing, according to police. But he may have had a motive. Izzo's wife was involved in a custody battle with Lee before his death.

Circuit Judge Chris Helinger will make the final ruling. The hearing is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. Check back with tampabay.com for updates.