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Sofia Silva's family last saw her alive on Sept. 9.
When that date rolls around this year, the man accused in connection with the 16-year-old's death, Karl Michael Roush, will most likely be in the middle of a trial.
Circuit Court Judge William H. Ledbetter Jr. yesterday granted defense attorneys' request for more time to prepare for the scheduled four-day trial.
Roush's trial in Spotsylvania County on an abduction with the intent to defile charge will now be Sept. 8ö11. The trial was originally supposed to start May 6.
Sofia disappeared from her Spotsylvania home last year in a case that received nationwide attention. Her body was found about a month later in a creek in the Sealston area of King George County; it was wrapped in a blanket and tied with rope.
Roush, 44, who used to live near the Silva residence on Bounds Street, was arrested after a lengthy investigation.
He was also charged with murder, but that charge was later dropped as part of some legal maneuvering. The murder charge is expected to be reinstated in King George, and a tentative trial date of Sept. 22ö25 has been set.
The key evidence against Roush is apparently fibers found in his van that match those found when Sofia's body was discovered. Other forensic evidence has proven inconclusive.
Phillip Sasser, one of two attorneys appointed to represent Roush, said he and Ben Woodbridge need more time to talk to potential witnesses and study the scientific evidence.
Sasser said he has contacted members of the Roush family about providing money to hire an expert to review the forensic evidence. Ledbetter recently denied a request that the state pay for that expert.
Sasser said the amount of time the Roush case has required is "overwhelming. This has been the busiest several months in my career," he said.
Commonwealth's Attorney William Neely strongly opposed delaying the trial. He said the defense has had plenty of time to put its case together.
Ledbetter agreed to the continuance only after he was assured that the defense attorneys aren't wasting time on "wild goose chases."
The defense has not subpoenaed any witnesses so far, but Sasser said yesterday he will call at least 10 people to testify.
Neely has already subpoenaed 32 witnesses, including doctors, Silva family members and five people who are currently in jail.
Roush, who has a long criminal record of traffic and drug violations, is next scheduled to be in court on April 29. That morning, the judge and attorneys will ask jurors questions in an effort to help determine if a change of venue will be necessary to avoid a biased panel.
The jurors on hand that day will not be on the Roush jury.
That afternoon, Ledbetter will hear a defense motion to suppress evidence contained in search warrants. The affidavits for those warrants are still sealed.
