Rogers' trial to start next week

PALMER — The murder trial of Christopher Erin Rogers Jr. is set to start next week.

Rogers, 29, is charged with 12 counts including murder in Palmer. He is accused of slaying his father, Christopher Erin Rogers Sr., and seriously wounding his father’s fiancé, Elann Moren, with a machete Dec. 2, 2007.

In Anchorage, Rogers is defendant in a different case, in which he’s charged with 10 charges, also including murder. Prosecutors there allege that after he left Palmer he used a gun to kill Jason Wenger, 27, and wound two others.

Lawyers in the case met Tuesday to clear up issues leading up to the trial, which is scheduled to begin Dec. 3.

Citing difficulty bringing Rogers to court that afternoon, Palmer District Attorney Roman Kalytiak asked Superior Court Judge Kari Kristiansen for an order telling prison guards to use force if necessary to bring Rogers to court.

“They had to use persuasion to get Mr. Rogers to come to Palmer today but they didn’t use force,” Kalytiak said.

Rogers’ attorney, John Richard, opposed Kalytiak’s motion.

“[Rogers] believed that his appearance was not mandatory today for this particular hearing,” Richard said. “Once he was told that he needed to be here he complied, I believe, without incident.”

Kristiansen said she didn’t think the order was necessary but made sure Rogers knew he was required to appear.

“Whatever judicial services or transport officers tell you . . . I have told you that you need to come,” Kristiansen said.

Rogers nodded.

Kristiansen was filling in for judge Vanessa White, who will preside over the trial.