A motion to delay the trial of man accused of first-degree murder in connection with the death of an Iowa City landlord has been granted by a 6th District judge.

Judge Sean McPartland granted Justin Marshall’s motion to delay his trial on Wednesday provided that Marshall’s defense file “any necessary and appropriate waivers of his right to a speedy trial by Friday” according to online court documents.

At a hearing on Monday, Marshall’s attorney, Thomas Gaul, expressed concern that Marshall had been question after he invoked his right to remain silent, which he contended he had discovered last week during depositions. Johnson County Assistant County Attorney Meredith Rich-Chappel countered by saying the evidence Gaul was referring to had been available to him “some time now.”

Marshall is accused of first-degree murder in the death of Broadway Condominiums owner John Versypt. Versypt was found dead after checking in on one of his units in October 2009 with a silver gun and wallet near his person.

A scheduled conference call will be held in the coming days to set a new date for Marshall’s trial, which was scheduled for Sept. 18.

— by Brent Griffiths