MARION, Iowa (KCRG) - A bench trial date has been set for the Marion dad who admitted to planning his son’s death before strangling him last year.

Matthew Schleier, 46, is charged with first-degree murder. His bench trial is set for February 17 at the Linn County Courthouse.

Schleier waived his right to a jury trial October 8. His attorney filed a motion to exclude evidence the next week. The state filed a response to that motion requesting that “the Court deny the motion” later that day.

A motion was filed to hold a hearing October 20 regarding the motion to exclude evidence. There was also an “unresisted motion to continue trial” filed.

The motion to continue trial was granted . The judge decided moving the trial solved the evidence question. This gives the defense more time to rev

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