Svoboda trial to begin in August

Due to delays caused by a backlog at the Wyoming State Hospital, the trial of Crook County native Ed Svoboda is now expected to begin in August.

Svoboda will stand trial for murder in the first degree following the death of his wife in 2021.

Svoboda has pled not guilty by reason of mental illness.

An August, 2022 date was originally set for his

trial. However, the case has experienced significant delays due to the necessity for an examination of his mental condition, which was to take place at the Wyoming State Hospital.

At Svoboda’s arraignment in March, 2022, it was decided that an examination of his mental condition was necessary due to his plea.

The state and Svoboda’s defense attorney agreed this should be performed at the Wyoming State Hospital. However, it was noted at that time that the hospital can only perform five such examinations per month and Svoboda’s case was sitting at around 24th on the waiting list.

Svoboda was charged following an incident on September 5, 2021 in which his wife, Kathleen, was allegedly hit by a truck and trailer in her back yard. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment at minimum, and could be given the death penalty.

He has also been charged with murder in the second degree and aggravated homicide by vehicle.

Svoboda’s pre-trial conference is now scheduled for August 17. He is then scheduled to stand trial before a jury of 12 during the ten-day period of September 18 to 29.

These dates are still subject to change, dependent on a number of factors. Many cases will resolve, for example through a plea agreement, before the trial begins.