Judge Orders Attorney to Appear After Missing Murder Trial Jury Selection

SPOKANE, Wash. — A Washington state attorney representing Cynthia Khaleel, who is charged with murder, failed to appear in court as jury selection was set to begin Monday. Judge Jacqueline High-Edward responded by issuing an order to show cause, continuing the matter until 1:30 p.m. PST Tuesday and delaying the trial for 30 days.

The attorney’s absence came after months of delays in the case. Prosecutors had been ready to proceed with the trial on April 23, but defense lawyers repeatedly sought additional time, citing unresolved discovery issues. When one of Khaleel’s attorneys, Stephanie Cady, requested a six-week delay, High-Edward refused and even threatened contempt when Cady avoided further argument over motions.

Khaleel, who has pleaded not guilty, is accused of stabbing her ex-boyfriend, Justin Daniel, 48 times and shooting him three times after violating a no-contact order. Court documents reveal that Khaleel had recently lost custody of the couple’s 3-year-old child during a contentious divorce proceeding. This case follows another instance where Khaleel was acquitted of second-degree murder in the death of her nephew in 2015.

The judge’s decision to hold the attorney accountable highlights the court’s commitment to maintaining order and timelines, even as the defense team continues to face challenges in preparing the case. The trial’s rescheduling marks yet another delay in a case that has seen multiple postponements, underscoring the complexities involved in high-stakes criminal proceedings.