Murder victim's family frustrated over trial delays

NEW CASTLE, Ind. (WISH) - The family of a New Castle murder victim is frustrated after learning the trial for the man accused of setting the fire that killed their mother has been delayed.

Donald Guffey has been in custody since 2010, but his trial has been delayed again and again.

Guffey's trial was set to begin next week, but instead Guffey will get a bond hearing that could lead to his release.

Larry Conn is victim Linda Conn’s son. He set up a memorial in his motorcycle shop for his mother

“I knew one day we would have to bury our mother, but this wasn't the way I had planned,” he said.

Two years after 64-year-old Linda was killed in the fire at her apartment, it's hard for her family to talk about.

“It’s a struggle every day. I miss her. I brought a beautiful baby girl into this world, and she never got to see her,” said Lindsey Dishman, Linda Conn’s granddaughter.

And Conn's daughter has been waiting for something.

“I miss my mom dearly every single day. I am ready for justice to be carried out. I’m just ready for justice,” said Mindy Conn.

The family said justice would be seeing Guffey on trial.

“I don’t understand how they can continue to have continuances after continuances after continuances. It just gets frustrating,” Mindy Conn said.

At least five delays, and now Guffey could be set free. He has a bond hearing next week.

That's despite the fact that according to court documents, Guffey admitted to setting the fire because he was upset with Conn's granddaughter Lindsey, saying she'd referred to him as a snitch. Court documents also say Guffey was an informant working with the Henry County Drug Task Force.

The whole ordeal has left the Conn family frustrated.

“I just want this day to come and end, so my grandma can be rested in peace,” Dishman said.

Guffey's attorney has argued he was forced into a confession by detectives and has said there's no physical evidence linking Guffey to the crime.

The Henry County prosecutor said the state asked for a continuance because they're working on witnesses. 24-Hour News 8 also learned a key witness died.

The prosecutor said he expects a pre-trial date to be set next Wednesday at the bond hearing.

Conn's family said they’re planning a get-together Sunday evening at 8 p.m. at their motorcycle shop in New Castle, to honor their mother.

They also plan to protest outside the bond hearing next Wednesday.