Murder trial delayed for lawyer accused of using forged power of attorney as lethal weapon
A double-murder trial scheduled in February for a Missouri lawyer accused of killing her father and his girlfriend in 2010 has been postponed at the request of the prosecution.
Attorney Susan Elizabeth “Liz” Van Note, 47, is accused in the unusual case of not only shooting William Van Note, 67, and Sharon Dickson, 59, at their Lake of the Ozarks home, but also withholding life-sustaining medical care for her father under the purportedly forged authority of a health care power of attorney. Dickson died at the scene of the shooting, but William Van Note survived and was hospitalized. The two reportedly had been contemplating marriage.
The plan now is for the state attorney general’s office to assist the Camden County prosecutor’s office in the case, reports the Rolla Daily News.
The Associated Press and an earlier News Tribune story provide additional details.
Trial may take place later this year and will be held in Laclede County due to a change of venue successfully sought by Van Note.
Van Note was initially appointed personal representative of her father’s estate but was removed after being charged with murder. She was at last report being held in the Clay County jail for contempt. She is to be freed once she repays at least $272,613 to her father’s estate. A Missouri appeals court upheld the probate court’s contempt ruling in a September decision (PDF).
Van Note is also facing a civil wrongful death suit brought by a relative of Dickson.
Related coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Lawyer Charged in Dad’s Murder Allegedly Used Forged Health Care Power of Attorney as Fatal Weapon”
ABAJournal.com: “Lawyer who was accused of killing her dad with forgery is now charged with second murder”
