Delay sought in third trial of NC triple slaying

FORT BRAGG — Lawyers for a soldier recalled to duty so he could be tried a third time for a 1985 triple slaying in North Carolina say they need more time to deal with DNA testing and to find witnesses.

The Fayetteville Observer reported Thursday that lawyers for 51-year-old Master Sgt. Timothy B. Hennis asked a judge to delay the Sept. 15 trial until January. A decision is expected in a few weeks.

Hennis was charged with the slayings of 31-year-old Kathryn Eastburn and her two daughters at their home in Fayetteville. He faces the death penalty if convicted.

Hennis was convicted in state court and sentenced to die, then acquitted in a new trial ordered by an appeals court. Civilian authorities brought the case to the military after they said DNA linked Hennis to the case.

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