New judge to hear local murder case

A new judge will oversee the case of an Evergreen man accused of murdering a toddler.

Attorneys for Brandon Lee Walter Newberry, 21, filed a request last week to remove District Judge Ted O. Lympus from the case. 

The request was granted on Friday, and District Judge David M. Ortley will take over the proceedings. There was no reason given in court documents for the change.

This move pushes the trial date for Newberry to August during Ortley’s trial period.

Newberry is charged with deliberate homicide in the death of Forrest Groshelle, his girlfriend’s nearly 3-year-old son. Newberry had been watching the toddler while the mother was at work.

Groshelle died of internal organ damage related to blunt force trauma.

In a 911 call on Feb. 17, Newberry could be heard yelling “It’s my fault. It’s my fault,” according to court documents. Last week, he pleaded not guilty.

His next court appearance is an omnibus hearing on June 17.