Dimas Agrees To Delay His Trial

After attempting to be released from custody because he hasn't yet had a trial on charges against him, a Ligonier man agreed to stay behind bars while his attorney garners more information in his case.

Christoval Dimas, 26, is charged with murder and abuse of a corpse in connection with the death of Crystal Gayle Homister, 22, of Elkhart. Homister's burned skeletal remains were found in April 2000 in a wooded area near Lake Wawasee. She had been reported missing by family members who last saw her Jan. 7, 2000. Dimas was indicted in the murder by a grand jury on Sept. 6.

Last month, Dimas' court-appointed attorney, R. Steven Hearn, tried to have his client released from jail by asserting Criminal Rule 4. That rule states that a defendant is entitled to be released on his own recognizance if he is detained for more than six months from the time of his arrest. Dimas has been in custody in this case since Sept. 13.

However, Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Rex Reed denied the release and said he believes release of a defendant under Criminal Rule 4 is unconstitutional when it comes to murder.

An appeal by Hearn to the Indiana Supreme Court regarding Dimas being released ended shortly after it was filed when the higher court refused to hear the case.

Last week, Dimas agreed during a hearing on a defense motion to continue his trial for additional discovery that he understood he would remain in custody until his trial, according to Kosciusko County Prosecutor Charles Waggoner. The trial was set to begin on Tuesday and a new trial date has not been set.