Setting hearing scheduled for double-homicide case

By Toni Steffens-Steward

RIO GRANDE COUNTY— Daniel Bessey is expected to appear at the Rio Grande County District Court on Thursday for a setting hearing.

Bessey has returned to Colorado after waiving extradition, he was arrested in Oklahoma. He was advised on Friday and a setting hearing has been arranged for Jan. 31 at 1:30 p.m.

Chief Deputy District Attorney for the 12th Judicial District Crista Maestas, along with Senior Assistant Attorney General Dan Edwards will represent the state in the case. Bessey will be represented by the Public Defender’s office.

An order to limit pre-trial publicity, commonly known as a “gag order,” was signed by Judge Patrick Hayes on Jan. 24. This order prevents lawyers and representatives from sharing information including criminal records, possibility of plea, confessions, admissions or statements made by the accused, results of tests and examinations, identity and other information regarding witnesses, opinions as to the guilt or innocence of the accused or any information that the lawyer understands to be inadmissible in the trial.

Law enforcement agencies and court personnel are also prohibited from releasing any additional information having to do with the case outside of public records.