Trial Date Set for Former Priest Accused of Murder

By Amy Martinez
RGV Proud
July 19, 2017

http://www.rgvproud.com/news/local-news/trial-date-set-for-former-priest-accused-of-murder/769430593

[with video]

A former priest is one step closer to learning his fate in connection with the murder of a McAllen school teacher. After being extradited to the Rio Grande Valley, 83-year-old John Feit was back in court for a final pre-trial hearing Wednesday morning.

"I think the purpose of this hearing was to try and establish a ground mark or a plan for jury selection and get this case tried before a jury." Stated the Prosecution.

Within 10 minutes attorneys for both parties agreed on a trial date. On September 11, 2017, a Hidalgo County jury will be asked to listen to testimonies and observe pieces of evidence before reaching a verdict. This, after a change of venue motion was denied in early June. In March of 2016, Feit was transferred from Maricopa County, Arizona to Hidalgo County.

It was there where he was charged for the 1960 murder of Irene Garza. The decades old cold case was reopened after Hidalgo County District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez said there were new facts and evidence in the case of the former priest. Those details have yet to be released.

There may be a few more hearings from now until the trial date. With jury selection happening that week.

September 11th is when the trial is set to begin.