Adams Trial Delayed Until May

The trial of the Bluffs, Illinois man charged with aggravated DUI causing death has been delayed one month.

60-year-old John Adams is charged related to the death of 23-year-old Brianne Martin of Effingham, whose vehicle struck the rear of the rig, which authorities say was not completely off the roadway. The charges also allege there was the presence of a cocaine metabolite in Adams' system the day of the crash.

In addition to the original counts, an Effingham County grand jury has indicted Adams on two counts of reckless homicide. During a court hearing Monday morning, Effingham County Public Defender Scott Schmidt entered a not guilty plea on behalf of his client to the new counts. Due to the new charges, and due to ongoing plea negotiations in the case, Schmidt asked that the April 6 trial date for Adams to be vacated. 

Judge Kimberly Koester granted the request. The trial is now set for May 4, with a pre-trial hearing scheduled for April 21.