Judge Dismisses DA’s Motion in McDaniel Case

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Judge Ronnie Joe Lane has ruled today Superior Court Judge Philip Brown will continue to preside over the death penalty case against Stephen McDaniel, the man accused of killing and dismembering his neighbor Lauren Giddings.

In a brief hearing Friday morning Judge Lane heard from both the District Attorney’s office and McDaniel’s attorney, Franklin Hogue. Judge Lane told both the defense and prosecution he had never seen a motion filed for the injury of a judge.

The defense argued the District Attorney’s office simply didn’t like the answers they were receiving from Judge Brown, but according to District Attorney, Greg Winters, his team is just making sure all their ducks are in a row.

Winters tells 41NBC he will wait to see the order filed by Judge Lane to see if he will file an appeal. Inquiry motions have also been filed in 2 other death penalty cases.