Jury Trials Delayed Further In Midst Of Pandemic

The uncertainty of COVID-19 impacts us all. But for families hurt by violent crime, the waiting game can be even more painful.

Social distancing, and other safety measures has caused justice to be delayed.

In 2018, Brittani Young was found dead inside her Norman apartment.

The suspect, Joseph Alliniece, was temporarily living with Young and was soon charged with her murder.

His trial was scheduled for April 13, but it has been postponed.

“With all of this coronavirus going around, it's been pushed back to whoever knows when,” said Brandi Murphy, Young’s sister.

The victim's mother said Alliniece repeatedly stomped on her daughter's head, and then ran away before police arrived.

Another witness confirmed the attack to police and has testified in court.

“The hardest thing is when her two came up, and I wasn't able to tell her I got justice for her yet,” said Stacy Hill, Young’s mother.

Alliniece could face the death penalty if convicted.

The earliest family might get an update is June 1.

They aren't alone.

Finally, to Oklahoma County--where the court clerk released the following Tuesday on Twitter:

"The Oklahoma County jury week scheduled to start on June 15, 2020 has been cancelled. My office is notifying jurors by mail."

The Oklahoma County DA's office said the next jury term they are considering is in August and September.

Below is the official order sent to court staff Tuesday afternoon.