The trial of a man accused of sexually assaulting Betty Halverstadt ? who later died in an unrelated incident ? is scheduled to begin Tuesday.
Cowley County Attorney Chris Smith confirmed jury selection and a trial for Gregory D. Jordan, 45, were still on the court schedule for next week. But the proceedings could be cut short if Jordan enters a plea agreement or changes his plea.
Smith does not comment publicly on possible plea arrangements. Jordan faces a rape charge in connection with the July 2008 incident.
Halverstadt’s body was found earlier this year near a train overpass on U.S. 77 highway south of Winfield. She died after falling from the roadway onto concrete below.
Jordan is accused of entering a home in the 3500 block of Lakeshore Dr. uninvited and forcing himself sexually upon Halverstadt, who had been sleeping and heard someone come in the house.
The man is said to have fled when a relative of Halverstadt showed up at the house. He later turned himself in to authorities.
Jordan was an acquaintance of Halverstadt’s family.
Halverstadt had testified during Jordan’s preliminary hearing prior to her death and that testimony has been ruled admissible if Jordan goes to trial.
