Trial reset for man accused of strangling neighbor in 2010

The first-degree murder trial of a man accused of strangling to death his elderly neighbor has been reset to Nov. 12 in Linn County District Court.

Jerome Power, 49, of Cedar Rapids, charged with first-degree murder, was to be tried next week, but he recently changed lawyers and more time is needed to prepare a defense.

Power is accused of killing Doris Bevins, 68, who was found by police unconscious with flannel pants wrapped around her neck Sept. 19, 2010 in her apartment, 1211 5th Ave. SE, #2.

When police smashed a window to enter Bevins' locked apartment, they found Power, who lived upstairs, hiding behind the entry door, according to a search warrant. Bevins died from asphyxiation by strangulation, according to a medical examiner's report.