GADSDEN, Ala. – An Alabama grandmother charged in the running death of her 9-year-old granddaughter is due in court.
Etowah County Circuit Judge William Ogletree has scheduled a hearing for Friday morning in the capital murder case against 49-year-old Joyce Garrard of Boaz.
The judge will make sure things are on track for Garrard's trial to begin as scheduled next month after about three years of waiting.
Prosecutors contend Garrard killed Savannah Hardin in early 2012 by making her run for hours as punishment for a lie.
Garrard says she's innocent. She faces a possible death sentence if convicted.
Court documents indicate the judge still must decide issues including whether jurors will be allowed to live at home during the trial or if they'll be sequestered in a hotel.
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