EPHRATA - Evan D. Savoie's trial was delayed for at least three months after a new attorney took on the case.

Savoie, 21, is charged with first degree murder in the 2003 death of Craig Sorger. Monty Hormel, who originally defended Savoie in his 2006 trial, had to leave the case due to serious health issues, according to court records.

Before withdrawing, Hormel requested the public defenders' department be prohibited from taking the case, according to a motion made by Hormel. The attorney pointed out the office had defended Cody Cook. Defense attorneys in Sorger's 2006 trial alleged Cook took part in the murder.

The Department of Public Defense reacted by assigning the case to Michael Felice, an attorney they use when the department has a conflict of interest, according to court records and Supervisor Susan Oglebay.

Felice asked to continue the case because he was recently assigned. Visiting Douglas County Superior Court Judge John Hotchkiss agreed, setting Savoie's trial date at Sept. 17. His trial was scheduled to start on June 27.

Savoie is being tried a second time following a Washington State Court of Appeals ruling stating former Grant County Superior Court Judge Ken Jorgensen violated Savoie's rights when he closed the courtroom to the public during a hearing.

Savoie and Jake Eakin were 12 years old when they reportedly beat and stabbed Sorger to death. Savoie was accused of dropping a rock on the victim's head and pressuring Eakin to take part, according to court records.

The day of the murder, Savoie and Eakin were dropped off at Oasis Park in Ephrata. They went to Sorger's house and invited him to play, according to court records.

Sorger's mother became concerned when the boy didn't return.

His body was found in Oasis Park.

Eakin pleaded guilty to second degree murder in April 2005 and was sentenced to 14 years in prison.

Savoie was convicted of first degree murder by a jury and sentenced to more than 26 years in prison.