When arrested, defendants are entitled to a “speedy trial,” say state and federal guidelines.

For example, an individual charged with murder must be guaranteed a trial within 180 days if within custody or 360 days if not in custody. Exceptions are if continuances are approved by a judge.

Due to continuances, speedy trials don’t always happen.

Consider the case of Luis A. Sierra.

Sierra is charged with the murder of Evelyn Colon and her unborn daughter, Emily Grace Colon. For years Evelyn was only known as “Beth Doe” and Emily was known as “Baby Jane Doe.” They died a horrible death.

Evelyn’s dismembered body was found on Dec. 20, 1976, stuffed into several suitcases along the partially frozen riverbank of the Lehigh River beneath an Interstate 80 bridge in East Side Boro. Emily was just a fetus, curled up inside one of those cold suitcases.

Evelyn was close to giving birth when she was killed. She was also shot, possibly post-mortem.

Nobody knew their identity until April 2021 when DNA helped to identify Evelyn Colon. She reportedly was just 15 when she was murdered. She was from Jersey City, New Jersey.

On May 3, 2021, more than three years ago, Luis A. Sierra was arrested and charged with the grisly murder. He was arraigned before Beaver Meadows District Judge Joseph D. Homanko Sr. who ordered him held without bail.

Bail eventually was reduced by the courts to $250,000, which was posted by a bail bondsman on May 8, 2022.

And three years after he was charged, Sierra, 66, of Ozone Park, Queens, New York, still hasn’t faced trial. In fact, he’s not even incarcerated.

He was approximately 21 when he allegedly committed the murders.

Various pretrial events have occurred in Carbon County Court, but one continuance after another has been requested and granted.

Just last week, there was a motion made to dismiss. Now another judicial status conference is scheduled for 9 a.m. on July 16.

Investigators in the case have retired. Memories face over time, especially after half a century.

Naturally, the defendant has rights. But what about justice for the victims? Should a trial be allowed to be continued for years?

A similarity is happening with the case of Bryan Kohberger of Monroe County who is accused of stabbing to death four college students in November 2022. Two years is a long time for the families of the murder victims to await their day in court. In addition, the case has already cost taxpayers in excess of $3.6 million, the Idaho Stateman newspaper reports.

All defendants are entitled to a speedy and a fair trial. Victims, though, don’t deserve the delay tactics they too often are forced to endure.

By RON GOWER

TNEDITOR@TNONLINE.COM