Trial for Fairfield teens delayed two weeks

A trial to determine whether two Fairfield teens accused of killing Spanish Teacher Nohema Graber can be tried as juveniles was abruptly delayed by a court order Friday afternoon.

“Pursuant to an agreement between the parties, the hearing set for January 27, 2022 is hereby continued and rescheduled to February 10, 2022, 1:00 P.M.,” read the order signed by Judge Shawn Showers, which provided no further details.

The trial will decide whether Willard Noble Chaiden Miller and Jeremy Everett Goodale are tried as adults or juveniles. Prosecutors say the latter would drastically reduce their sentences if convicted.

“If the 16-year-old defendant is processed under the Juvenile Court system and adjudicated on a charge of murder in the first degree, the adjudicating court would lose jurisdiction over the Defendant,” Jefferson County Attorney Chauncey Moulding wrote in December. “The State believes there is no reasonable prospect of rehabilitating a premeditated murderer in less than 24 months.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com