Judge Bumps Ex-Soldier’s Trial Date Because Of Quilt Show

PADUCAH, Ky. (AP) – The trial of a former Fort Campbell soldier charged with the rape and murder of a 14-year-old Iraqi girl has been delayed by three weeks to accommodate a quilt show.

U.S. District Judge Thomas Russell ordered former Pvt. Steven D. Green’s trial delayed from April 6, 2009 to April 27 because the National American Quilt show is in Paducah during the original trial date. Russell said in a one-page ruling issued Tuesday that attendance at the show would make it difficult to secure enough hotel rooms for trial participants.

Green, of Midland, Texas, faces a possible death sentence if convicted on 16 charges that include premeditated murder and aggravated sexual assault. He pleaded not guilty in November 2006.

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