Trial of Bedford County man accused of murder delayed for 4th time

The trial of a Bedford County man accused of murdering his estranged wife and trying to make it look like a suicide has been delayed for a fourth time.

Wesley Earnest, 39, faces charges of first-degree murder and use of a firearm in commission of a felony in the Dec. 19, 2007, death of Jocelyn Earnest, of Forest.

Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Wes Nance asked for another delay today. He said he was initially told certain forensic evidence could not be tested the way he wanted and now he has been told it can be tested.

Neither Nance nor Earnest’s attorney, Joseph Sanzone, would describe the evidence, but Sanzone said it is biological.

Earnest’s new trial date is March 23. His case was originally set for trial in July 2008 but has been delayed three times before as attorneys gather and review evidence. Before today’s delay, it was to begin as early as Dec. 1.

Wesley Earnest, a former Heritage High School assistant principal, was working as an assistant principal in the Chesapeake area when he was arrested in February 2008. He has been free on bond since June 5, 2008.

In March, Earnest’s Smith Mountain Lake home burned down. The fire is under investigation.

For more details on today’s court hearing, check back with NewsAdvance.com or read tomorrow’s edition of The News & Advance.