Judge sets 2018 trial for mother of slain Albuquerque girl

A July 2018 trial is scheduled for an Albuquerque woman charged in the 2016 rape and murder in her 10-year-old daughter.

The Albuquerque Journal reports that Michelle Martens’ trial would be the first for the three defendants charged in the death of Victoria Martens.

Fabian Gonzales is now scheduled to go to trial October 2018, followed by Jessica Kelley in January 2019. Gonzales was Michelle Martens’ boyfriend and Kelley is his cousin.

The scheduling Monday by District Judge Charles Brown follows his May ruling that the defendants get separate trials.

The first trial was originally scheduled for this October, but lawyers said the case’s complexity warrants moving the trial dates back.

Brown says Chief Judge Nan Nash has agreed that exceptional circumstances require moving the trial dates back.

.)