By Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose
The James Elmore Jr. trial moves into testimony Tuesday in Galveston County.
The court released Tuesday’s schedule.
Prosecutors expect Tim Miller to testify first. Miller is Laura Miller’s father and the founder of Texas EquuSearch.
His testimony could become one of the most closely watched moments of the trial.
Tim Miller expected to take the stand
Miller spent years searching for answers about his daughter’s death.
More recently, he had repeated contact with Elmore.
Miller has said he met privately with Elmore dozens of times after Elmore approached him with information about Laura’s death. Those conversations eventually became part of the renewed investigation.
Prosecutors expect Miller to testify about those contacts with Elmore.
Elmore faces a manslaughter charge in Laura Miller’s death.
He pleaded not guilty.
Opening statements expected Tuesday
Proceedings are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1.
The court will formally read the charge before opening statements.
Assistant District Attorney Katelyn Willis will give the prosecution’s opening statement. Willis leads the Violence Against Women Division.
ADA Adam Poole also represents the state. He leads the Felony Division but will not give an opening statement.
Defense attorney William “Bill” Agnew is not expected to give an opening statement immediately after the prosecution, according to the current schedule.
Manslaughter case goes before jury first
Elmore is charged with manslaughter in connection with Laura Miller’s death and with two counts of tampering with evidence involving the remains of Laura Miller and Audrey Cook.
He has pleaded not guilty and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Trial expected to continue through Friday
The court currently expects testimony to continue through Friday, Sept. 4.
Proceedings are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. each day and conclude around 5 p.m.
The schedule could change depending on testimony and other issues that arise during the trial.
I will continue following the James Elmore Jr. trial and will report new developments as they happen.
Traveling to Galveston County?
Visitors following the trial can compare lodging options through Hotels.com.
Long courthouse days can also mean keeping phones and reporting equipment charged. Courtroom and travel essentials are available through Amazon.
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Earlier coverage: Read what happened during Elmore’s pretrial hearing and why the judge said the Aug. 31 setting would remain firm.