New trial date to be set for man accused in cab driver slaying

CEDAR RAPIDS - A conference is set for next week to schedule a new trial date for a Cedar Rapids man accused of killing a cab driver in 2011 after a mistrial was declared due to a medical emergency.

Jury selection was interrupted last Wednesday in Story County District Court in the first-degree murder for Johnathan Mitchell when Assistant Linn County Attorney Nic Scott developed a medical issue and was admitted to the hospital. The judge declared a mistrial because it was unknown when Scott could return to work.

Attorneys will meet with the judge at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 29, to set a new trial date.

The trial was transferred to Story County on a change of venue.

Mitchell, 33, charged with first-degree murder and first-degree robbery, is accused of stabbing to death Cathy Stickley, a Century Cab driver, on April 29, 2011.

According to a criminal complaint, Stickley was found dead by her vehicle in the 1500 block alley between Second and Third avenues SE. Stickley died of multiple stab wounds to her neck and head.