Granite Bay Man to Face Third Murder Trial

Gag Order Issued by Judge

            A Placer County judge has denied a motion to dismiss the charges pending against Caleb John Madsen of Granite Bay, who is accused of first-degree murder in the 2005 death of his friend, Christopher Worth.

            Superior Court Judge Mark S. Curry ruled today that there is substantial  evidence to proceed with a third trial against Madsen on July 27. He also imposed a gag order that will prevent attorneys and related parties from publicly discussing evidence and other aspects of the case.

            Two previous trials for Madsen ended in hung juries, leading to mistrials. In 2008, a jury deadlocked at 7-5 in favor of conviction. Earlier this year, a jury deadlocked at 10-2 for conviction.

            Madsen’s attorney moved for a dismissal, saying the evidence against Madsen does not reach beyond reasonable doubt and that she anticipates that no new evidence would be introduced in a third trial.

            Senior Deputy District Attorney Bill Marchi countered that the evidence against Madsen remains strong and that the recent 10-2 vote by a jury is proof of it.

            Madsen, now 27, is accused of fatally stabbing Worth in the chest on July 9, 2005.