Isaac Jonathan Dykstra Update

I’m starting to catch up on some old stories I neglected over the last few months. This is one of them. This is cross-posted from my Russian blog Nikto Ne Zabyt — Nichto Ne Zabyto

Over a year ago I reported that Brian Dykstra, charged with 2nd degree murder in the death of his adopted Russian son, Issac Jonathan Dykstra, 21 months, had waived his right to a speedy trial. He wasn’t joking. According to May 13, 2011 DesMoines Register, Dykstra’s trial, scheduled to begin May 23, has once again been postponed. (Trial delayed for former Iowa City man charged in infant death)

On May 5, 2010, just days before his trial was to begin last time, (after at least one earlier postponement), the prosecution and defense filed a joint motion requesting a new trial date due to the complexity of the case. According to their motion, more than 130 witnesses may be called.

No reason for the latest delay has been given, and no new trial date set.

Isaac died on August 14, 2005 the day after he was admitted to the hospital with severe brain injuries. Brian Dykstra, however, was not charged until August 7, 2008. Dykstra remains free on bond. He now lives in South Carolina where his wife is an assistant professor of Spanish at Clemson University. She was not home at the time of the alleged incident and has not been charged.

More information on the case can be found by can be found by clicking on links in the righthand sidebar on Nikto Ne Zabyt including In Memoriam and Summary of Killers and Sentences.