Documents: Reckless murder case against ex-astronaut delayed
![astronaut charged_1465413623849.jpg](https://images.foxtv.com/static.fox5atlanta.com/www.fox5atlanta.com/content/uploads/2019/09/764/432/astronaut20charged_1465413623849_1413079_ver1.0_640_360.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
James Halsell, Jr. (Courtesy: Tuscaloosa County Jail)
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) - An Alabama judge has delayed the case of a former astronaut charged with reckless murder in a deadly car crash as lawyers work on a possible plea agreement.
An order issued Friday says a pretrial hearing for onetime NASA space shuttle commander James Halsell Jr. of Huntsville is being postponed from March 30 until June 1.
The defense requested a delay, saying attorneys are negotiating a possible settlement involving Halsell. A motion says the two sides also are still exchanging evidence.
The 60-year-old Halsell was arrested after a wreck June 6 killed Niomi James and 13-year-old Jayla Parler in a west Alabama county. Police reports show investigators believe alcohol and speed could be factors.
Halsell has pleaded not guilty in the crash and remains free on bond.