Judge grants defense more time to sort through 'mountain of evidence' in Erica Parsons case

ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — A couple accused of murdering their adopted daughter, Erica Parsons, appeared before a judge Wednesday morning.

Casey and Sandy Parsons were supposed to provide Erica with love and support, but prosecutors said they made her life a misery before her death.

Erica's biological mother, Carolyn Parsons, was in the courtroom as Rowan County's district attorney asked the judge to set a date for the capital murder trial.

"I gave one of the most precious gifts you could give anybody, that is a child. I trusted them with a precious gift," said Carolyn Parsons.

[TIMELINE: Erica Parsons case]

Rowan County District Attorney Brandy Cook requested the couple go to trial next fall because there are multiple attorneys involved with very busy schedules.

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Defense attorneys said they do not want to rush to trial because they need more time to sort through hundreds of pages of Department of Social Services reports, jail phone calls and media coverage of the case.

[RELATED: Prosecutors to seek death penalty for Erica Parsons' adoptive father]

The defense asked to schedule another hearing in February to decide the trial date and the judge approved their request.

A legal expert told Channel 9 the defense's argument is expected because rushing the case could lead to another trial, even after a guilty verdict.

[RELATED: Prosecutors seek death penalty against Erica Parsons' adoptive mother]

"The client can state that my attorney wasn't as prepared as he or she should have been it's called ineffective assistance of counsel.  If a motion for appropriate relief is filed, that could cause the case to have to be trialed all over again," said criminal defense attorney Rob Corbett.

Carolyn Parsons told Channel 9's Tina Terry that no matter when the trial happens, she will be very involved.

"I am first to say I'll be happy for it to be done, but I will also say I want it done right," she said.

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