March Date Set for Fayette County Murder Trial

A March date has been chosen for the trial of a Mulberry Grove resident charged with killing a rural Brownstown man.

69-year-old David Bright is charged with the September 17, 2017 murder of James Skinner at his residence. Bright was arrested in January following an investigation by Illinois State Police and the Fayette County and Bond County sheriff's departments.

Bright is next due in court in August for a pre-trial hearing, but his trial will not begin until March 18, 2019. Judge Don Sheafor suggested an earlier date, but Public Defender Bill Starnes said the time needed for securing experts and investigators will make the March trial date a better fit.

Bright is being held under $1 million bond.