The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Murder trial set for later this month

Lawyers expect the murder trial of a local teenager to begin later this month and last around two weeks.

Charles William Curtis Thompson was charged in the October 2009 shooting death of John Versypt, a landlord of several Broadway buildings. Police believed Thompson planned to rob Versypt.

Attorneys met at a pretrial conference on Thursday morning. Both the state’s prosecutors and Thompson’s defenders said they’ll be ready to begin on Sept. 19.

The only issue presented in the courtroom on Thursday was that Thompson’s lawyers said they’ve had trouble obtaining records on the gun allegedly used to kill Versypt. Defense attorney Tyler Johnston said the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives had ignored a request months ago but state officials are now working on compiling that information.

Thompson was 17 when Versypt was killed, but he will be tried as an adult; he faces a possible life sentence if convicted.

— by Adam B Sullivan

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