SPOKANE — A murder trial that was set to begin Monday with jury selection has been delayed for at least 30 days after the defense attorney failed to appear in court.
According to a judicial assistant, Judge High-Edward continued the trial of Cynthia Khaleel, who is accused of killing her ex-boyfriend Justin Daniel, after defense attorney Lindsey Wheat did not show up for jury selection Monday morning.
The 30-day delay does not guarantee the trial will begin then, but gives the court time to address the attorney’s absence and determine next steps.
Judge High-Edward ordered Wheat to show cause for why she failed to appear, requiring her to present an explanation by 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.
The latest delay adds to a series of continuances that have frustrated the victim’s family, who have been waiting nearly two years for the case to go to trial.
Khaleel was arrested and charged with murder in April 2024 after prosecutors say she broke into Daniel’s home, stabbed him 48 times and shot him three times. According to court documents, Khaleel had recently lost a custody battle over the 3-year-old child she shared with Daniel, and Daniel had obtained a protective order against her at the time of the murder.
The murder trial was originally scheduled to begin in July 2024, but the judge has granted several continuances since then. Most recently, the defense requested another delay last week, claiming they were still receiving discovery from the state and had not had enough time to prepare
Joshua Daniel, Justin’s brother, spoke about the family’s frustration with the delays during last week’s hearing.
“We’re very close family. We’ve relied on our faith throughout this whole process,” Joshua Daniel said. “I think the main thing for me is Justin’s children. They deserve some closure.”
Following Monday’s latest delay, Joshua Daniel shared his emotional response with 4 News Now in a message that read in part;
“One thing I always admired about my brother was his resolute attitude. He was a fighter and gave up his life to save his daughters,” Joshua Daniel said. “Yes I’m pissed. Insanely frustrated and exhausted. But, I’m still alive and as long as the Lord continues to give me breath in my lungs, I will continue to fight for justice.”
Monday’s proceedings were expected to begin with jury selection, followed by opening statements scheduled for Wednesday. Court officials have not indicated when the trial might be rescheduled. Khaleel remains in custody as the legal proceedings continue to unfold.
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