Mitchell murder trial delayed by prosecutor’s ailment

UPDATE: A judge has continued the murder trial of a Cedar Rapids man accused of killing a cab driver in 2011 Wednesday afternoon due to the medical condition of Assistant Linn County Attorney Nic Scott, who was admitted to the hospital Wednesday.

Scott told The Gazette the trial would be reset to a later date. He said he had been admitted to the hospital, but didn't give details of his condition.

The jury panel was dismissed about 9:15 a.m. Wednesday, but the judge at that time thought jury selection would resume Thursday. Jury selection started Tuesday in Story County District Court, where the trial was transferred on a change of venue.

Johnathan Mitchell, 33, of Cedar Rapids, charged with first-degree murder and first-degree robbery, is accused of stabbing to death Cathy Stickley, a Century Cab driver, 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.

A new date for the trial hasn't yet been set.