Pre-Trial Motion Hearings for McDaniel Murder Case Wrap Up Tuesday; Scheduled to Pick Up Again In November

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Witness testimonies for the pre-trial motions in the Stephen McDaniel murder case finished up on Tuesday, but they’re scheduled to pick up later this year.

McDaniel is accused of killing Mercer law graduate Lauren Giddings.

A scheduling conflict caused the motion hearings to finish up this week.

Both the prosecution and defense are concerned about the validity of cadaver dog evidence at trial.

McDaniel’s lawyers and the state called on expert witnesses to take the stand, but they couldn’t make it to the court hearings this week.

Attorneys say a separate hearing will be scheduled in November to hear what the experts have to say.

“Right now we’re waiting on the court reporter to complete the transcripts. Once both sides have the transcripts, then we will write our briefs so the judge can make a decision,” Bibb County District Attorney David Cooke said.

More law enforcement witnesses took the stand.

The defense lawyers also showed photos and played audio recordings from the day McDaniel was arrested.

Macon Police Sgt. Bobby Newberry and Sgt. William Brown testified on Tuesday.

Newberry was one of the photographers on the scene during the initial investigation, and was shown photos taken inside of McDaniel’s apartment.

McDaniel’s lawyers say one of the biggest issues today, was whether the crime scene was appropriate secured.

Sgt. Newberry said McDaniel’s apartment was being constantly guarded and evidence couldn’t have been tampered with.

Defense lawyers provided pictures in the court, one where a set of keys was on a dresser and another where the keys weren’t on the dresser.