Wyckoff Case to Go to Stipulated Bench Trial

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Published on July 3 2014 6:48 am
Last Updated on July 3 2014 6:48 am
Written by Greg Sapp

The case of David Wyckoff is to be decided in a stipulated bench trial.

The 22-year-old Wyckoff was originally charged with aggravated domestic battery, but a grand jury later indicted him on charges of attempted murder, aggravated criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse and aggravated battery.

During a pre-trial hearing Thursday morning, Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler asked that the previous counts be dismissed, and filed new counts of aggravated battery and aggravated domestic battery, so the case is essentially back to where it began.

In a stipulated bench trial, a judge hears the evidence and testimony rather than a jury and then renders a verdict. Judge Kimberly Koester will conduct the trial on August 6 at 1pm. The judge will have the option of deciding guilt or innocence on each charge.

The case was brought by Kibler after an incident last September 1. The alleged victim was in court for the hearing and told Judge Koester she agreed with Kibler's decision on which charges to pursue.

Wyckoff remains in Effingham County Jail.