After more than six years since her release from prison on appeal, the second trial for the Linda Stermer case is now underway at the Van Buren County Circuit Court.
Fifteen years ago, Stermer was convicted of killing her husband and spent nearly nine years in prison before her sentence was overturned. This week, jury selection began, and opening statements are expected on Thursday morning, according to the Van Buren County court.
Stermer was accused of intentionally setting fire to the couple’s home in Lawrence with her husband inside, just one day after he requested a divorce. She was released from prison in 2018 following an appellate court ruling that found she had received ineffective assistance from her defense attorney.
Stermer is facing charges of premeditated first-degree murder and felony murder in connection with the arson.
WSJM will continue to follow the case as it progresses.
