Wilkinson Co. Murder Trial Postponed Until Tuesday

IRWINTON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The murder trial of a Wilkinson County man was set to begin on Monday, but his attorney got hurt over the weekend and couldn’t make it to court.

It was suppose to be the first day of Zachary Beck’s murder trial. The jury would hear opening statements from both sides and the state would call its first of 21 witnesses.

“We’re ready. We are ready. We’ve been ready,” Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District Attorney Fred Bright said.

The first day was postponed because Beck’s lead attorneys, Ricky and Stacy Morris, were at the hospital. Stacy Morris fell off a horse and injured her arm over the weekend.

“She’s undergoing orthopedic surgery in Atlanta and he’s with her, obviously he’s not here and they asked for us to delay the case for a day,” Bright said. “Sometimes things happen that are beyond everybody’s control.”

This is not the first time the case has been postponed. About a month ago, Ricky Morris got sick and asked for a one day delay and then there were the holidays. Even with all these delays, the state says its ready to start this trial.

“I’m trying to give the family some closure and some justice. That’s what we’re here for,” Bright said. “We’ll do what it takes. We’ll stay till the cows come home. We’ll do what it takes.”

Opening statements are set to begin Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. Beck is on trial for killing 54-year-old Ronnie Willis Rozier on January 6, 2011. Beck allegedly robbed and killed Rozier at his home off Parker Springs Church Road in McIntyre. If convicted, he could face life in prison without parole.

41 NBC’s Amanda Castro will be in the courtroom and tweeting all the details. You can follow her on Twitter or Facebook for the latest updates.