SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — A Sioux Falls man – accused of killing his wife – is back at the Lincoln County Courthouse today.
It could be the final hearing before Jimmie Ledbetter goes on trial later this month. Ledbetter is accused of murdering Angie Scholl one year ago this month. According to court documents, the victim had filed for divorce and changed the locks to her Sioux Falls home, just days before her death.
A family member found Angie Scholl’s body inside a southwest Sioux Falls home. Investigators said she had been strangled to death. Days later, police arrested Jimmie Ledbetter, Jr. and he was charged with murder.
Surveillance video shows Ledbetter entering Scholl’s home on the evening of October 28th. Later, screams can be heard, followed by Ledbetter leaving the house
KELOLAND’s Sydney Hoier is in the courtroom and will bring you a full report tonight on KELOLAND News.
Today in court, Ledbetter’s attorneys revealed that they are seeking an insanity plea, but without an expert witness. Now, the state wants to call in its own expert to perform a psychiatric exam on Ledbetter.
That exam could put the trial on hold. The defense objected to the request, saying they did not agree with delaying the trial for any reason. The judge gave the state permission to pursue the exam, but wants an update as soon as the state knows whether it will cause a trial delay.
Both the state and defense asked for witnesses to be sequestered during the trial. The judge granted this request.
The judge also approved a request for Ledbetter to wear regular clothing instead of a jail uniform when the trial begins.
A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for next Wednesday, where some of the witnesses will testify before the trial goes in front of a jury. As of today, the trial is still scheduled to begin on October 23rd.
