LINN COUNTY, Iowa (KCRG) – An Oregon man alleged in the 1983 murder of Ron Novak will go to a jury trial next year. Michael Schappert was arrested in the cold case in May after investigators determined his DNA matched evidence from the crime scene.
According to court documents, Schappert waived his right to a speedy trial on Friday. The court says the case is so old and complicated that both the state prosecution and the defense team will need some additional time to gather all of their information.
The trial was originally scheduled for February, then pushed back to April. It’s now scheduled for January 19, 2027. Schappert faces one charge of first-degree murder…