Letecia Stauch’s defense team asks to delay preliminary hearings, possibly allow bond

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- A motion filed by Letecia Stauch's defense attorney requests that her preliminary hearings, currently scheduled for June 5 an 8, be delayed to coronavirus concerns.

Stauch is currently being held on two charges of first degree murder related to the death of her stepson, 11-year-old Gannon Stauch.

Stauch's public defender based this request on five presumptions in the motion filed Monday, according to court documents:

• Stauch is unable to meet with her defense team due to the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions at the jail.
• The counsel isn't prepared to proceed with the preliminary hearing because the pandemic has prevented Stauch from adequately preparing.
• The defense hasn't received the autopsy report for Gannon Stauch's body and other key pieces of evidence.
• The public health orders related to COVID-19 in place to protect all parties infringe on Stauch's right to face-to-face counsel and confrontation.

"Requiring the defense team to make the unconscionable choice between putting our personal health and that of our families at risk, and fulfilling our duties to Ms. Stauch as her counsel is dangerous and unreasonable," reads the motion in part. "This choice is completely unnecessary because a safe, workable alternative is available and seemingly was only abolished
because video visits are inconvenient for jail deputies to accommodate."

A second motion Monday from Stauch's defense asks for the ability for video access to their client, or alternatively grant bond so that Stauch is able to have access to regular communication with her defense team.

Currently, Stauch is being held without bond due to her charges of first degree murder. The defense says Stauch has limited access to her team through phone or video because of COVID-19 precautions in the jail.

"Ms. Stauch therefore requests that this Court grant this order allowing access to Ms. Stauch or grant her a bond so that she is able to have video and phone access with counsel from the safety of her home," reads the document in part.