Accused killer appears in court

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Wednesday, October 21st, 2020 10:35am

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Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - William Warden, 37, hired a private attorney and had his case continued until 2021 when he appeared before Superior Court Judge Amy Mead Wednesday.

Prosecutor Bailey Woolfstead said her office has talked to the victim's family and explained a potential trial date in March.

The Alaska Supreme Court is prohibiting the scheduling of any felony trial until January due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Warden is scheduled to appear in court on January 20 for his next hearing.

Juneau Police claim the victim, Latina Helfinstine was killed by Warden during an incident on November 25, 2019.

Warden claimed the victim had a seizure and hit her head.  After being transported to Bartlett Regional Hospital it was learned that Helfinstine had suffered a skull fracture.  She died four days later at Providence Medical Center in Anchorage.

Warden is being represented by attorney Joe Kovac of Ketchikan.

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