ATHENS, Tenn. – An East Tennessee man charged in the rape and slaying of his 14-month-old daughter goes on trial Tuesday . The government’s case is hindered by an alleged police blunder and a disputed autopsy report.
Motions in the case against Mitchell Delashmitt are to be discussed at a Monday hearing in Athens. Barring a schedule change, jury selection for his trial starts Tuesday.
Delashmitt was arrested in June 2003 after the body of his daughter, Angel, was found in a pond at his rural residence. Delashmitt originally told officers he fell asleep while watching her. He later gave another statement that led to the rape and homicide charges.
In 2007, the judge threw out Delashmitt’s statement to investigators, saying his request for legal counsel was ignored. He has since been free on bond.