Statewide Iowa — (RI) — The man accused of killing University of Iowa student Mollie Tibbetts appeared in Powesheik County Court for arraignment Wednesday morning.
Tibbetts disappeared while out for a run in her hometown of Brooklyn on July 18th. Investigators say surveillance video led them to arrest 24-year-old Cristhian Rivera, who is in the country illegally from Mexico. Rivera appeared in court with an interpreter and District Court judge Joel Yates spoke to his lawyer Chad Frese.
The judge then asked about the trial process.
Judge Yates then confirmed with Rivera.
The trial has been scheduled to begin at 9:30 a-m on April 16th. The search for the 20-year-old Tibbetts lasted for more than one month and drew national and international attention as it went on. State investigators say Rivera followed Tibbetts as she ran and then became angry when she said she was going to call police. He led them to Tibbett’s body in a cornfield on August 21st. Investigators say Rivera told them he doesn’t remember killing Tibbetts because he blacked out. Frese talked with reporters after the arraignment and says they waived the right to a speedy trial because it will take time to prepare.
Rivera remains in jail on on a five million dollar cash only bond.
