O'Connor jury trial date a clerical error
A clerical error led to a homicide case incorrectly appearing to be scheduled for jury trial Wednesday.
Madisyn N. O’Connor, 25, faces several felonies, including homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence and homicide by vehicle, as well as misdemeanor and summary charges. Her case file listed Wednesday as a day for jury trial, but according to an employee with Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas Judge Bruce Beemer’s courtroom, they forgot to change the listing to a status conference.
A status hearing allows prosecution and the defense to hold a meeting before a Common Pleas judge assigned to the case.
A number of topics are covered during status conferences, and plea deals can sometimes be reached during these meetings. The conference is also held for discussions on the evidence, filings and issues in the case as presented by the prosecution and defense.
It’s unclear if any deal was made in this case. The prosecution and defense did not return requests for comment.
The Allegheny County Police Department alleges in a criminal complaint that O’Connor was driving drunk and killed Kaitlyn Marie Eckelberry Feb. 22, 2020.
