MONROE, La. — A judge granted the state’s request to delay the long-anticipated bench trial of Quinton Tellis Monday after the sudden death of a key expert witness over the weekend.

Retired Brig. Gen. Paul Rowlett, an intelligence specialist whose testimony prosecutors said was critical to their case, died Saturday in a vehicle crash in Hattiesburg. In court Monday, Assistant District Attorney Holly Jones told 4th Judicial District Judge Larry Jefferson that replacing Rowlett would be difficult because of his unique expertise.

Defense attorney Bob Noelle argued that Rowlett’s particular testimony wasn’t needed, that it was simply adding commentary or opinion to the case. Jones explained that Rowlett’s methods take all manner of electronic and cell phone data and draws a timeline of event

See Full Page