TAMPA — In the case against Julie Schenecker, the Tampa Palms mother accused of murdering her two teenagers, attorneys need more time before they announce some big decisions — whether prosecutors will seek the death penalty, and whether public defenders will rely on a theory of insanity.
Florida rules of criminal procedure would have required attorneys to announce their intentions this spring, but both sides this week jointly asked a judge to extend those deadlines. Circuit Judge Ashley Moody is giving them until Aug. 15.
Police say that on Jan. 27, Schenecker shot her 13-year-old son Beau in the family van after school and shot her 16-year-old daughter Calyx as she sat at a computer at home. Police say the mother has confessed.
At her February arraignment, Schenecker pleaded not guilty, a standard move which means the prosecution will continue to bear the burden of proving her guilt.
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