The homicide trial for a Cambridge Springs woman accused of causing the death of an infant has been delayed again.
The trial of Melynda K. French, 24, was scheduled to begin this coming Tuesday in Crawford County Court of Common Pleas.
Cambridge Springs police charged French with third-degree criminal homicide, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment and endangering the welfare of a child.
However, the Crawford County District Attorney’s Office has been granted a continuance by Judge Anthony Vardaro.
A defense expert witness report wasn’t scheduled to be received by the DA’s office until Thursday, not leaving the office enough time to review it before trial, said Francis Schultz, the county’s district attorney.
Police allege French assaulted infant Kierstan Alaina Bressette on Feb. 4, 2008, in the family’s 242 McClellan St. home. The girl died Feb. 5, 2008, at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh.
French had been scheduled to stand trial on the charges in county court in November 2008, but the trial was rescheduled to this month at the request of French’s defense team because of a scheduling conflict.
If convicted on all charges, French could face a maximum sentence of more than 60 years in prison.
Local News
NEW LOCAL: Cambridge woman's homicide trial delayed
- Local News
-
-
Langley voted in as Meadville City Council's new member
“Pleased” is the word that best describes Bob Langley’s response to the news that he had been selected to fill Meadville City Council’s vacant seat.
-
French Creek conservation group to benefit from environmentalist's talk
When one of the world’s best known environmentalists, the author and activist Bill McKibben, speaks next week at Allegheny College, his audience will likely be putting some money where its heart is — right into French Creek.
-
Vernon Police chief suspects 'human interaction' in Sunday fire
An investigation is continuing into a weekend fire that destroyed a historic structure in Vernon Township, and Vernon police are urging anyone with information to give them a call.
-
Walker hired to fill Meadville's newest administrative position
The City of Meadville’s soon-to-be-newest administrator is a familiar name in the area and familiar with the city.
-
Edinboro protest planned against proposed state budget cuts
If you’re a student or faculty member at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, don’t be surprised if Trevor Belz, a sophomore from Saegertown, shares some strong opinions with you in the next few days — and urges your attendance at a campuswide protest planned for Tuesday.
-
Local legislators: Corbett budget off to a good start
Elected officials representing Crawford County in Pennsylvania’s Senate and House of Representatives are gearing up for what looks like a lengthy budget process.
-
Crawford Central's Heller says new budget plan hobbles school districts
Area educators haven’t had a lot of time to mull over the implications of the budget proposal presented Tuesday to a joint meeting of Pennsylvania’s Senate and House of Representatives by Republican Gov. Tom Corbett.
-
District Judge Chisholm nears record for ‘longest serving’
Magisterial District Judge William Chisholm is in line to set a new record by becoming Crawford County’s longest-serving magistrate.
-
Traveling breast cancer exhibit to make local stop
The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition is bringing its traveling photo exhibit, “67 Women, 67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania,” to Crawford County March 1 through 10.
-
Judge Chisholm’s memories run deep
Looking back over his 26 years as a district magisterial judge, Judge William Chisholm has many memories of special events — even some humorous ones.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Langley voted in as Meadville City Council's new member






