Lima man waives speedy trial on attempted murder case

LIMA — A Lima man waived his speedy trial rights Thursday in the Allen County Common Pleas Court in his case for attempted murder.

Daniel Elliott’s speedy trial rights were waived because the substance used to commit the alleged offense is currently being tested by the State Fire Marshal’s office, and both parties needed more time to prepare once the results are known.

The hearing was originally scheduled as a suppression hearing to discuss a motion to suppress statements Elliott made to police. In the motion, Stephen Chamberlain of the Allen County Public Defenders Office wrote Elliott’s constitutional rights were violated because he was not advised of his rights prior to police questioning or interrogation.

Allen County Assistant Prosecutor Joshua Carp gave Judge Jeffrey Reed recordings to review of the three conversations Elliott had with detectives, which he said included evidence of Elliott’s rights being told to him. Reed will decide on whether the statements will be suppressed at a later date.

Chamberlain previously filed a motion suggesting Elliott was not competent to stand trial, and Elliott pleaded not guilty due to insanity. After Elliott received an evaluation from a doctor, Reed determined Elliott was competent to stand trial.

Court documents allege Elliott, 26, called local police on March 20 to have them check on an Illinois woman because she was poisoned a few days earlier by drinking bleach. He then called Illinois police and told them he and others tried to make the woman drink a poison concoction, telling her it was alcohol or medicine. When contacted by police, the woman said she only took a sip.

Elliott reportedly told police he gave the woman the concoction because he was angry over her abusiveness toward her children and was fearful for their safety.

Reach Charlotte Caldwell at 567-242-0451.