Javarius Hurd
MERRILL, WI (WSAU) — The reckless homicide case against Javairus Hurd will go to trial beginning October 19th.
Lawyers for both sides spent Thursday morning in a final pre-trial hearing to finalize details, including the witness list and jury pool. Both sides will strike five jurors from the current roster of 24, leaving 12 jurors and two alternates.
Hurd, 18, is accused of killing Lincoln Hills correctional officer Corey Proulx two years ago. Investigators say he lashed out against Officer Proulx as he was trying to restrain him in an outdoor recreation area. Proulx fell and hit his head on a hard surface, and died a few hours later.
The case has taken a winding road to trial, with Hurd’s defense team unsuccessfully arguing to move proceedings to the juvenile system. Earlier this year, a proposed plea deal also fell apart at the last minute. That called for Hurd to plead guilty by reason of mental disease or defect, which would have set up a phase two trial, focused on his mental state at the time of the incident.
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The state plans to call 16 witnesses, including Ryan Nyblom, who is serving prison time for his role in the case. Nyblom gave Hurd a cup of soapy water, which he is accused of throwing in the face of another correctional officer, sparking the incident.
The judge is also planning for media coverage and confirmed that Hurd will be dressed in street clothes and will not be photographed while the proceedings are off the record. The trial is scheduled to last through the end of the month.
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