Hasan lawyer seeks to delay trial

FORT HOOD, Texas (KXAN) - In the case of U.S. vs. Maj. Nidal Hasan, the trial judge, Col. Gregory Gross, heard arguments on Tuesday from both sides regarding pending motions in the Lawrence J. Williams Judicial Center at Fort Hood.

The first motion was the defense's request to appoint a victim outreach specialist. A Defense-Initiated Victim Outreach specialist was requested by the defense and would be appointed by the court to reach out to victim-survivors of capital crimes and act as the link between the victim-survivor and the defense team.

After hearing from witnesses and argument from both sides, Gross denied the defense motion.

In the second motion, the defense counsel requested a continuance until Oct. 9. Defense counsel argued that the delay is necessary because of the large volume of documents and other evidence already delivered to the defense and the anticipated continued disclosure of additional documents and evidence by the prosecution.

Government counsel argued that the defense has had ample time to review the evidence and requested that the defense counsel file any further motions as soon as possible.

Gross did not make a decision on whether to grant the motion for a continuance. He indicated that he will schedule another hearing in the near future at which time he will issue his decision.

Gross also denied a defense motion for the production of discovery containing communications between the President of the United States and other parties. This motion had been filed and litigated at an earlier hearing.

Hasan is charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted premeditated murder. He faces the death penalty or life without parole if convicted in the November 2009 shootings.