Pretrial conference delayed for man accused in trooper’s death

A pretrial conference for the man accused of killing a state highway patrol trooper was delayed this week.

Audrain County Prosecutor Jacob Shellabarger told ABC 17 News that the attorney for Serghei Comerzan had a conflict and that the pretrial conference is now set for 7 p.m. Tuesday in Troy. This is due to Judge Ted House being in trial during the beginning of the week.

Comerzan was charged with murder, resisting arrest and several traffic violations after being accused of leading Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper James Bava on a chase through Audrain County in August 2015. Bava crashed his cruiser and died during the pursuit.

Just last month, House ruled on several issues over the upcoming trial, including limiting the room to no more than six uniformed law enforcement officers during Comerzan’s trial. That excludes the court’s own security and any uniformed officers who testify at the trial and are finally excused.

The trial date for Comerzan is set for April 10 in St. Charles.