A pre-trial proceeding in the Jason Carter murder case moved on in Marion County, with the defense arguing law enforcement were determined to blame him for the murder of his mother Shirley.

The defense made a motion to dismiss the case, on the grounds of prosecutorial delay and law enforcement prejudice against Jason Carter. Attorney for the defense Christine Branstad argued that it was 900 days after the murder before charges were brought, and that the investigation stalled in 2017 in order to see what was revealed in the civil case.

She also alleged that law enforcement didn’t follow up leads adequately, and didn’t present evidence that showed that others may have been the perpetrator. Branstad said “this wasn’t an investigation, it was a hunt for Jason Carter.”

Marion County Attorney Ed Bull argued that law enforcement followed proper procedures, and that there is no statute of limitation for murder.

Other matters including motions to limit the testimony of one witness, and a jury selection questionnaire were discussed.

Judge Brad McCall is considering the motions. The trial begins Tuesday in Council Bluffs.