Murder case continued to December

Oct. 16, 2012 — Court proceedings continue for Joanna Lynne McElrath and Robin Glen James who are being held to answer in the death of off-duty police officer Robert McElrath.

The defendants and their counsel, Bud Landreth and Larry Barnes, appeared in Lassen Superior Court Tuesday, Oct. 16 where a hearing for a change of venue motion was continued to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12.

According to visiting Judge John T. Ball, the expert for the defense team has yet to complete the required work for the defense to make the change of venue motion.

Lassen County District Attorney Bob Burns, on behalf of the people, reiterated his desire that the case be expedited.

Ball said little can be done by the defense, the court or the people to expedite the case more than it already is.

The defendants are being held in custody without bail on charges of premeditated murder and conspiracy in the January 2011 death of Joanna’s estranged husband Robert McElrath.

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+2#1DAVID PARKS2012-10-17 08:41

I just realized that this crime happened nearly 2 years ago. The defence can not say they did not have time to prepare for trial.On one hand, This is a slam dunk case. But in today's criminal justice system. Anything can happen...

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+6#2justsaying2012-10-18 06:32

The closure so many need is yet again delayed...

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+1#3SR2012-10-18 11:54

What I can't understand is why didn't she just divorce her husband? If she did, she'd be a free woman today instead of facing life in prison.

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+5#4Former Resident2012-10-18 22:15

In response to SR, she is greedy, she wanted his life insurance. She is also evil to the bone. Don't we wonder what actually caused the death of her first husband? Now four children have no parents because of her. Her own parents have lost a daughter. Everyone loses because of her evil actions.

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+2#5justsaying2012-10-19 06:31

As a former resident as well I agree the above comment. She is EVIL to the bone. and I did not even know whe has another deceased husband THAT IS SUSPECT! She has no defense.

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+1#6justsaying2012-10-19 08:02

As a former resident as well I agree with the above comment. She is EVIL to the bone. and I did not even know there has another deceased husband THAT IS SUSPECT! She has no defense.

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+1#7Steven Oliver2012-11-03 09:41

Rob was a previous supervisor of mine, and a very good friend. The inefficiency of the criminal justice system here is annoying in the least. All of Rob's loved ones are victims here. The delay of justice being served just prolongs their misery. That almost seems like a criminal act in itself.

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