Homicide trial set for April

CLOVIS — Potential delays aside, the eight-day cold case murder trial for William Hadix, 69, will begin as planned on April 12.

Hadix is charged with the September 2003 murder and armed robbery of Jessie Clyde “J.C.” Tucker in Clovis. He was arrested two years ago in Illinois after a key source came forward.

The prosecution, represented by Chief Deputy District Attorney Brian Stover, will call 12 witnesses, having narrowed down a larger pool of 137. Hadix’s attorney, Gary Mitchell, said he still needs to select and subpoena his witnesses from the same pool.

“I’ve never seen a witness list that long,” said District Judge Fred Van Soelen, referring to the eight-page document.

Stover said that has to do with the fact that the crime was under investigation for more than a decade. Some of those witnesses have died in the past 14 years.

Attending Monday’s hearing by speakerphone, Mitchell said Hadix is still prepared for trial, in spite of a recent illness and history of heart conditions.

Stover noted only one possible “hiccup” being the unavailability of Dr. Patricia McFeely, who conducted Tucker’s autopsy in 2003.

“We’re told she is sailing around the world,” said Stover. In her absence, the state will seek a substitute pathologist.

Stover said he and Mitchell have not had any plea negotiations, but he did not expect anything to materialize from them.

So far, the trial will begin as scheduled on April 12 and finish April 21, presided over by Van Soelen.

Mitchell could not be reached for additional comment.