ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Tuesday, October 31, Tavaris Jackson’s defense team was back in court, requesting a deadline extension.
In August, a judge determined there was probable cause for three charges against the 33-year-old, who is accused of murdering pregnant 22-year-old Harley Corwin. The charges are for open murder, possession of a firearm at the time of the murder, and conduct that resulted in the death of a fetus.
The deadline for attorneys to file motions was scheduled for “on or about” November 30. On Tuesday, Jackson’s attorney Diane Kay-Hougaboom asked the judge for a 30-day extension, citing evidence and reports still being processed by the state crime lab.
“At the preliminary examination…one of their experts testified that he was compiling a report that hadn’t been approved by his supervisors yet,” Kay-Hougaboom told the judge. “We have not received that report. We just don’t believe that given the number of other motions that we have pending, and also the fact that we don’t have all the evidence in yet, that we can be prepared to have all of those motions filed by the deadline.”
The prosecution had no objection to the extension.
“I just wanted to note for the record that it is not that we have not necessarily turned over things that we have,” the prosecution said. “It’s just that so much of the evidence is still pending.”
The judge granted a 30-day extension for motion deadlines. Kay-Hougaboom noted she may request another extension closer to the new December date if she has still not received the necessary evidence and reports at that time.
“I understand the people are, in some ways, at the mercy of the crime lab,” she said. “At the same time, we have a right to challenge all the evidence if necessary.”
Jackson attended Tuesday’s hearing via Zoom from the Delta County Jail.
Click here for more information on this case and Jackson’s preliminary examination.
