10/03/2026
I don't want to hear a word about where I am sharing this from. Information is important and it is all verified and accurate. My understanding is, these mailers are also the reason why all the judges in Butler county recused themselves from the case.
JOSH RIVERA TRIAL SET TO PROCEED AFTER SLOWDOWN CAUSED BY JENNIFER VANASDALE
Josh Rivera of the Butler County prison is set for a November trial date. Rivera is accused of killing 15-year-old Aiden Lutz in October 2023.
Jury selection will begin on November 16th and the expectations is 41-year-old Joshua Riveraβs trial will start in the afternoon on the 17th or in the morning on the 18th.
During a hearing yesterday, Riveraβs defense attorney Joseph Smith argued in court that due to a mailer that was sent out by Jennifer Vanasdale during District Attorney Rich Goldingerβs 2023 re-election bid might have poised potential jurors. (Goldinger ended up winning the election in a landslide.)
The mailer sent out by Vanassdale in that race in an effort to damage Goldingerβs image included Riveraβs previous criminal record.
Smith also floated the idea of potentially subpoenaing Vanasdale to get a better understanding of who in Butler County received the mailer. It is unknown who will pay for Vanassdales travel costs from Florida if she faces a subpoena. As she lives in the Villages in Florida while seeking βJustice for All" Butler County residents.
According to ADA Ben Simon, (the dungeon and dragons playing dork himself) 100 to 200 potential jurors will be called in an effort to secure the needed 12 jurors and 4 alternative jurors.
If a jury can be selected, Simon said he would need three days to present the case, Smith would need one or two in defense, time has to be set aside for jury instructions and court clerical duties, then deliberation can begin.
Both attorneys will need to file all final arguments or documentation by October 15th before another hearing is held before the trial. That hearing is expected to take place in late October or early November.
Justin Castilyn
[email protected]