New trial date set in capital murder case

10/31/2012

A new trial date was set Tuesday in Lucas County Common Pleas Court for a Michigan man charged in a capital murder case.

John Winfield, 31, of Flint, Mich., is charged with aggravated murder and aggravated robbery, with gun specifications, for the Dec. 12, 2010, shooting death of 49-year-old Toledoan Mark Ward. Judge Ruth Ann Franks set a May 6 trial date at the request of the defense. Winfield faces the death penalty if convicted.

Authorities said Mr. Ward was shot and killed during a party at a Bell Avenue home. Winfield's half brother, Terrance Taylor, and half sister, Deirdre Taylor, are serving prison terms for their roles in the case. Judge Franks noted that Winfield’s attorneys were recently appointed after his previous attorneys requested to be removed and so granted the request for additional time to prepare for the case.