Trial for suspect in murder that happened nearly two decades ago is delayed until next year
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POCATELLO — Nori Jones was killed in her home over 19 years ago. The man accused of killing her — Brad Scott Compher — has yet to stand trial despite being arrested in 2015.
Compher, 48, faces one count of first-degree murder with a deadly weapon enhancement. A jury trial to determine Compher’s guilt was scheduled to begin this week but has again been delayed.
The death penalty has also been removed from consideration by District Judge Javier Gabiola following a motion filed earlier this year by the defense.
Jones was found dead in her home on the 3600 block of Pole Line Road on Sept. 28, 2004. Her murder was featured on the show “Cold Justice” — the 2015 episode Still of the Night.
An autopsy determined she had been stabbed numerous times.
The investigation went cold but with advancements in technology Compher was allegedly connected to the scene of the murder by DNA evidence. He was arrested 11 years after the murder and was scheduled for trial on April 2016. But motions involving, among other things, Compher’s mental capacity led to numerous delays.
According to previous coverage by EastIdahoNews.com, Bannock County Prosecutor Stephen Herzog believes Compher’s trial could end up costing tax payers more than $500,000. He has been held in Bannock County Jail for more than eight years.
If he is found guilty at trial, he would face up to life in prison.