Published: November 25, 2009 02:29 pm      

Hearing on records set for Dec. 10

The issue of the late Beth Stayer’s mental health records will be the topic in a hearing set for 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, in Boone County Circuit Court.

After being denied access by Judge Steve David to the records on Nov. 8, Jim Voyles, Michael Stayer’s defense attorney, filed a request for a public hearing on the issue Nov. 12, which Judge David granted.

“I think it’s unusual that Michael Stayer is so adamant about getting access to his ex-wife’s mental health records without any explanation as to why they would be even remotely relevant to the morning of June 11,” Boone County Prosecutor Todd Meyer said. “My intent is to continue to fight to keep those records confidential. Without any good reason being proven, I can only surmise that Stayer is trying to get access to try to embarrass Beth, or whatever the case may be.”

Voyles was unable to reached as of press time.

Voyles initially argued for the release by stating that “Beth Stayer’s mental health records, insofar as they reveal a history of anger management or emotional problems relating to Michael, are relevant to a defense of justification.”

Meyer responded by alleging Voyles’ request to be “nothing more than a fishing expedition.”

Stayer is being charged with murder of his ex-wife Beth on June 12. The trial begins Feb. 1, 2010.

Stayer adds co-counsel

On Friday, Nov. 20, Tyler Helmond filed an appearance to be co-counsel, along with Voyles, for Michael Stayer. Helmond is a new attorney with Voyles’ firm, Voyles Zahn Paul Hogan & Merriman, having started in October after graduating from the Indiana University School of Law.