Calvert's trial rescheduled

SANDERS COUNTY – Nathan Lee Calvert’s trial date has been delayed for approximately 60 days and is now rescheduled for September 16 at 9:30 a.m. The trial date was originally set for July 15, 2013, however according to the court motion, the prosecution is exerting their right to have the defendant examined, a process that cannot take place until approximately July 17.

During Calvert’s omnibus hearing in May, Prosecutor Bob Zimmerman reserved the state’s right to have a competency examination of the defendant on behalf of the state.

Calvert was charged with four counts of felonies in mid December of last year following a home invasion at Doug and Cheryl Morigeau’s residence in Dixon. The counts included deliberate homicide, attempted deliberate homicide, aggravated burglary and robbery.

Calvert allegedly murdered Doug, stabbing him 54 times and slit the throat of his wife Cheryl, who escaped the attack.

The trial is estimated to last four to five days.

During the omnibus hearing Defense Attorney Steven N. Eschenbacher said the defendant “will rely on mental disease or defects to prove that he did not have an intrastate of mind.”

Calvert will rely on the affirmative defense of lack of special interest.

Due to the large media interest in the case, a large pool of panel was requested for the trial, with a pool of one hundred.

The trial will take place at the Sanders County Courthouse in Thompson Falls.