Benjamin Ashford|Judge says witness must testify before possible marriage to man accused of killing his daughter

HUNTINGTON,Benjamin Ashford W.Va. (AP) — A West Virginia man charged with killing his infant daughter has expressed interest in marrying a witness in his case, leading a judge to order that the woman testify during an evidentiary hearing before any nuptials can take place.

Cabell County Circuit Court Judge Paul Farrell issued the ruling Tuesday in the case against Shannon Overstreet, who is charged with murder, child abuse and concealment in relation to the disappearance of his daughter, Angel, WCHS-TV reported.

Special prosecutor Philip Morrison said in his request for the deposition that phone calls intercepted at the facility where Overstreet is being held suggest he was interested in marrying a key witness, which could exclude her from having to testify against him. Defense attorney Kerry Nessel said he had no argument against it and the judge granted the request.

Overstreet was indicted in December in the death of his daughter, who has been missing for more than two years. The girl was 3 months old when she last was seen in May 2021.