The state’s next attorney general wasted no time checking in with Cowley County Attorney Chris Smith over the prosecution of accused murderer Justin Thurber.
“I was rather impressed by that,” Smith said. “That was a classy move.”
Douglas County District Judge Stephen N. Six was named Friday to replace Attorney General Paul Morrison who is set to leave office this month. Six called Smith the same day.
“I had never spoken with him before,” Smith said. “He called to see how things are going down here. I told him as far as I’m concerned I’m happy with the prosecutor assigned to the case.”
The attorney general’s office is leading the prosecution of Thurber, 24, who is accused of raping and murdering 19-year-old Jodi Sanderholm in January 2007. Assistant Attorney General Vic Braden has been appointed to replace Morrison, who resigned amidst a sex scandal involving a former co-worker.
A hearing is set to begin Wednesday, Jan. 30th in Cowley County District Court in Winfield over pretrial motions. District Judge Jim Pringle earlier this month decided statements Thurber may have made to police should not be made public until he decides whether they are admissible at trial.
The state intends to seek the death penalty if a jury finds Thurber guilty. The trial scheduled to begin June 24.
Six, 46, of Lawrence, is the son of retired Supreme Court Justice Fred Six. He earned his law degree from the University of Kansas Law School.He was appointed by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.
The attorney general is elected every four years. Morrison has completed one year of a four-year term.
