West's Murder Trial Delayed Until March

The trial of one of three men charged in the murder of an Edgewood area man has been delayed.

31-year-old Walter West of Edgewood is charged with first degree murder in the September 2021 death of 80-year-old Roger Courson at his home near the Effingham/Clay County line. West was first to go on trial in August, but was also continued then.

In court Monday, West sought a continuance. His trial was set to begin February 6. He is now set to go on trial on March 6. The delay is being charged to West.

As far as the other two co-defendants, Christopher Gallatin of Centralia is next due in court January 18, while Jamie Charlton of Salem is to go on trial on February 6, with a final pre-trial hearing set for January 11.

Each of the defendants are being held on $2.5 million bonds.