Defense wants trial delay in alleged waterboarding
DOVER, Del. - The attorney for a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding his 11-year-old stepdaughter said his client was in no hurry to go to trial.
Lawyer Joe Hurley said he needed time to review materials provided by prosecutors and schedule a psychological exam for Melvin Morse. Hurley also said in court papers filed this week that the emotion and publicity surrounding Morse's August arrest should be allowed to subside.
Hurley, who suggested a trial no sooner than April, also is seeking court approval for Morse to have supervised visits with his children. A hearing on those motions is scheduled for Friday.
Morse, who has researched near-death experiences involving children, has pleaded not guilty to charges of child endangerment and assault. He denies police claims that he might have been experimenting on his stepdaughter. - AP
