Judge Sets Schedule for Hutchinson Murder Trial

Tyler James Hutchinson, the man accused in the 2009 beating death of Belmont resident Albert Korn, appeared in San Mateo County Superior Court on Tuesday along with his court appointed attorney, James Thompson, for the setting of the schedule of his jury trial.

During his brief court appearance, the defendant, who will turn 25 on Thursday, wore his hair in braids and appeared heavier than when he was first taken into custody in the summer of 2009.

Hutchinson was caught in West Sacramento two days after allegedly robbing and beating the 88-year-old Korn in his home on Hallmark Drive, and driving away in Korn's 2004 Jaguar.

A transient, Hutchinson was on probation at the time of his arrest in 2009 for criminal threats and battery involving an attack on a person at the San Mateo Caltrain station.

If convicted, Hutchinson would spend the rest of his life in prison without the chance of parole. The district attorney's office is not seeking the death penalty. The defendant is in custody on no bail status.

Judge Mark Forcum discussed pretrial motions with Thompson and the deputy district attorney in the case, Morris Maya. Forcum will allow a week for each attorney to respond to the other's motions and will then review the motions and responses himself.

Jury selection is scheduled to begin Jan. 28, and opening statements are expected to begin Feb. 7. The trial is expected to last four to six weeks.