Lang
9/19/20
The defense is seeking a delay in the trial of an Iowa City man accused of killing his wife.
Attorney Leon Spies argued in Johnson County Court Friday that the recent spike in Johnson County COVID-19 cases has not allowed him and his client to go over documents in a confidential setting.
Trial was originally scheduled for October 13th. A scheduling phone conference has been set for Friday to schedule a new date.
The 68-year-old Browning is charged with first-degree murder in the April 5th, 2019 stabbing death of JoEllen Browning. Police say Browning killed his wife at the couple’s Green Mountain Drive home after she noticed inconsistencies with the couple’s finances and scheduled a meeting with their banker to discuss them.
A representative from the financial institution has told police that they were prepared to tell JoEllen that one of their savings accounts had been depleted, Roy had taken out loans without her knowledge, and an account JoEllen thought was active never actually existed.
Roy Browning stood to inherit over $2 million in retirement accounts and other assets in the event of JoEllen Browning’s death.
If convicted, Browning faces life in prison.