David Webster is headed for trial next week on a count of first-degree murder in the strangulation death of Winfield’s Diane Chambers, attorneys for the defense and prosecution told NewsCow Monday.
Jury selection is set for Jan. 5 at the Cowley County Courthouse in Winfield. Earlier this month, a judge denied a defense motion to move the case out of the county.
Early on, it appeared the two sides might reach a plea agreement, which would have elminated the need for a jury trial. A last-minute agreement is still possible but seems unlikely.
"At one point I was pretty certain this case wasn’t going to trial," Lee Velasquez, Webster’s defense attorney, said. "But Mr. Webster wants his day in court, he wants to tell his side of the story, so that’s what’s going to happen."
Cowley County Attorney Chris Smith confirmed that plea discussions had broken off and said there was no current offer on the table from prosecutors. Some of Chambers’ family and friends had been upset that a plea agreement was being discussed.
But the defendant never agreed to the lesser charge offered and ? barring an unforeseen deal ? will face trial next week on a first degree murder charge.
"We’re definitely moving ahead as if we’re headed to trial," Smith said. "And at this point, given the time I’ve already put into the case, I’m not sure I’d consider any kind of agreement."
Webster is accused of strangling Chambers in the couple’s home in April. After being questioned by police he helped authorities locate the missing woman’s body near a bridge about 10 miles east of Winfield.
Because he initially cooperated with police, Smith has previously said the case was less about Webster’s guilt or innocence and more about whether the crime was premeditated and intentional.
Velasquez said he had no further comment to make on the case.
