OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS (December 31, 2007) – The man accused of kidnapping and killing 18-year-old Kelsey Smith is scheduled to stand trial September 16.
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\nSmith\u2019s family attends Hillcrest Covenant Church in Prairie Village, Kansas, a suburb of Kansas City. The teenager\u2019s disappearance and murder in June drew worldwide attention.<\/p>\n
Edwin R. Hall, 27, of Olathe, is accused of kidnapping Smith on June 2 from a Target parking lot. Hall was arrested June 6, the same day that Smith\u2019s body was found in a wooded area and the same day that a previously scheduled prayer vigil was held at the church.<\/p>\n
Greg and Missey Smith, Kelsey\u2019s parents, told local media they hope the trial date will not be changed, noting that the long delay has been difficult. \u201cBut we\u2019ve got a lot of people supporting us and praying for us, so we\u2019ll make it through,\u201d Greg Smith said.<\/p>\n
Hall\u2019s trial originally was set for January 14, but the date was moved back when defense attorneys in the death penalty case said they could not be ready in time.<\/p>\n