Daniel Elliott’s jury trial will begin on Nov. 5.
Charlotte Caldwell | The Lima News
LIMA — A jury trial for a Lima man accused of attempted murder is scheduled in the Allen County Common Pleas Court on Nov. 5.
In the case for Daniel Elliott, 26, Judge Jeffrey Reed recently overruled a motion to suppress filed by Elliott’s attorney, Stephen Chamberlain of the Allen County Public Defenders Office. The motion was made regarding three interviews Elliott had with Lima Police Det. Steve Stechschulte, and Chamberlain said Elliott’s constitutional rights were violated because he was not advised of his rights prior to police questioning or interrogation.
Reed said Stechschulte orally recited the rights to Elliott before the first interview but didn’t the second interview. He said the second interview was held because Elliott had questions for Stechschulte and was brief. Stechschulte recited the rights before the third interview and Elliott said he understood.
“The fact that Stechschulte did not re-admonish defendant before the second session on March 21, 2024 is of no consequence in this case,” Reed said because of the nature of what was discussed and its briefness.
Elliott also previously pleaded not guilty due to insanity, and after a doctor’s evaluation, Reed determined Elliott was competent to stand trial.
The charge in this case stems from events that occurred on March 20. Court documents allege Elliott called local police to have them check on an Illinois woman because she was poisoned a few days earlier by drinking bleach. He then called Illinois police and told them he and others tried to make the woman drink a poison concoction, telling her it was alcohol or medicine. When contacted by police, the woman said she only took a sip.
Elliott reportedly told police he gave the woman the concoction because he was angry over her abusiveness toward her children and was fearful for their safety.
Reach Charlotte Caldwell at 567-242-0451.
