Mark Norwood murder trial gets new date

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A new trial date has been set for Mark Norwood accused of killing Christine Morton in 1986.

According to Norwood's attorney, Russell Hunt Jr., the parties involved were electronically notified of the new trial date, March 18, 2013, on Tuesday evening.

Norwood's trial was originally set for Jan. 7 in Tom Green County. Last month, J udge Burt Carnes granted a continuance after Norwood's attorneys asked for more time to find a new DNA expert.

The trial will stay in Tom Green County. Attorneys requested the change of venue, arguing that the case is so well-known due to Norwood's alleged connection to the highly publicized case and release of Michael Morton last fall.

Norwood is charged with capital murder in the death of Christine Morton. The case drew widespread attention last year when Michael Morton, Christine's husband, was freed from prison after DNA evidence finally proved his innocence.

Norwood was also indicted last month in the 1988 death of Austin resident Debra Baker. A trial date for that case has not been set.