Murder trial will start next month for man accused of slaying cab driver in 2011

The trial for a man accused of stabbing to death a Cedar Rapids cab driver in 2011 is on track to start Oct. 8, in Story County District Court.

Johnathan Mitchell, 35, of Cedar Rapids, is charged with first-degree murder and first-degree robbery. He is accused of killing Cathy Stickley, 54, a Century Cab driver, April 29, 2011. According to a criminal complaint, Stickley's body was found by her vehicle in the 1500 block alley between 2nd and 3rd avenues SE. Stickley died from multiple stab wounds to her neck and head.

Mitchell was initially only charged with first-degree murder but after depositions were taken, more evidence became available that this started out as a robbery, so the robbery charge was added in 2012, according to court documents.

Assistant Linn County Attorney Nic Scott said Friday the trial will last two weeks. He expects jury selection may take a day and a half before testimony begins.

Mitchell's trial started last August in Story County on a change of venue but ended in mistrial during jury selection because the prosecutor had a serious medical condition and couldn't continue the trial. There were several continuances before that and a few after the mistrial.

Mitchell also is charged in a separate case from 2010 with beating a man near Coe College. He is charged with willful injury, causing bodily injury, and was out on bond in that case during the time Stickley was killed. His trial is set Nov. 18, in that case.