Murder trial will finally start after years of delay

Since February 2013, Antonio Toomes has been jailed in Crockett County, charged with murder in the October 2012 death of Matthew McKnight. Almost three years later, Toomes still has not gone to trial on the murder, robbery and burglary counts.

Officials said the delay in trial has stemmed from a lack of legal representation for Toomes. “He’s had 3 lawyers, and they’ve all been recused for different reasons,” said Crockett County Sheriff Troy Klyce.

But Sheriff Klyce said he does not expect a delay this time. Toomes trial is set to begin Tuesday. “As I understand it, Judge Peoples has ordered the trial to proceed without a lawyer, which is rare.”

Sheriff Klyce said he has seen cases go to trial without defendants representing themselves, just not a murder trial. “Seems like we did have it happen, but it wasn’t as serious as this, something with a burglary or something.”

In the end, Klyce sadi he is just hoping for justice for McKnight’s friends and family. “It’s been a long time, I mean they’re ready to do something with this to find some closure in it one way or another obviously.”