Defense attorney files subpoena motion to obtain evidence in Fairfield murder trial

FAIRFIELD – The defense attorney for a Fairfield teen accused of murder has filed a motion to obtain a piece of evidence that “may be exculpatory” in his upcoming trial on March 20.

Christine Branstad, representing Willard Noble Chaiden Miller, 17, of Fairfield, filed a motion for a subpoena of evidence on Thursday, Feb. 9. The subpoena motion goes by a Latin phrase “Duces Tecum ex parte,” which requires a witness to produce certain evidence in their possession.

Branstad wrote in her motion to the court that the defense team, in preparing for Miller’s trial, “discovered information that may be exculpatory, that is not in the possession of the defense.” She indicated that she will outline the evidence, but does not want to disclose specific information requested since it would disclose trial strategy to the prosecution. Thus, she requested that the subpoena motion be done “under seal.”

District Court Judge Shawn Showers agreed to hear Branstad’s argument for this subpoena during a virtual hearing at 8:45 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15.

Miller is one of two Fairfield teens charged with killing Fairfield resident Nohema Graber in November 2021. Due to extensive media coverage before the trial, Miller’s trial has been moved from Jefferson County to Council Bluffs. The other teen charged with murder, Jeremy Everett Goodale, 17, will stand trial on May 15 in Davenport.

Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com