The murder trial for Fairfield teen, Willard Noble Chaiden Miller, is less than one month away. Recently, his defense team, led by attorney Christine Branstad, filed a motion for the state to hire expert witnesses that they plan to call once the proceedings get underway.

The defense is requesting a crime scene analyst, digital forensic expert, social psychologist, clinical psychologist, and investigator. Stating that the defendant cannot pay for his own expenses, the team is asking that the state hire these witnesses. All five could run a combined cost of nearly $35,000.

Jefferson County Attorney, Chauncey Moulding, argues that it is too close to the trial date, which is set for April 21 in Council Bluffs. Moulding believes that the defense has had ample time to review evidence and is asking the court to deny the motion. District Court Judge, Shawn Showers, has set a hearing on the motion for Wednesday, March 29.

Miller is charged with the murder of 66-year-old, Nohema Graber, in November 2021. His co-defendant, Jeremy Everett Goodale, who is also being charged with murder, is set to stand trial on May 15 in Davenport.