Judge Hears Motions Against Accused Trooper Killer

A motion hearing for accused murderer Edwardo Wong was held today in Catawba County and could continue into Tuesday afternoon, according to court officials.

Wong is accused of killing North Carolina State Trooper Shawn Blanton on a traffic stop in June 2008. On Monday, a judge announced that Wong’s trial would begin March 29, 2010, just one week after it was announced that the trial would be delayed due to a motion filed by Wong’s attorney’s that ask for Blanton’s personnel file to be put into evidence.

Wong’s attorney’s claim that Blanton’s personnel file would show that he had no reason to pull Wong over, a claim that prosecution deny. No ruling was made on the motion and court officials say that other motions are being filed and considered.

Wong allegedly pulled a gun and shot Blanton during a routine traffic stop and then took Blanton’s gun and fled the scene. He was caught a short time later after a chase on a dead end road. He has been charged with first-degree murder and also attempted murder, after he allegedly fired shots at a Haywood County deputy during the chase. He also has drug charges pending.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Wong. The trial was moved to Catawba County earlier this year due to extensive media coverage.