The trial of an Effingham County man accused of killing his father and brother is on hold again.

 

The Ogeechee Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s office has requested and has been granted a continuance in the trial of Craig Heidt. Heidt’s trial for the August 2008 shooting deaths of his father, noted realtor and developer Philip Heidt, and his brother Carey Heidt was scheduled to begin next week, with jury selection to commence Monday and trial proceedings to begin immediately after.

 

But the death of a material witness earlier this month prompted the prosecution to seek a continuance. John Henry Rast was found dead in the home of his sister, Robin Rast Heidt, the widow of Carey Heidt. Robin Heidt has been charged with threatening a witness in the case and also is expected to be a witness in the trial.

 

Prosecutors filed their request for a continuance Sept. 17, and Judge Gates Peed granted it Sept. 20. The trial is held up until further order from Judge Peed.

 

 

For more see Friday's edition of the Herald.