Delaware judge delays sentencing in federal cyberstalking case

     Police gather outside the New Castle County Courthouse in 2013 after two people were shot and killed by Thomas Matusiewicz. His relatives go on trial later this year for their alleged role in planning the attack. (File/WHYY)

    Police gather outside the New Castle County Courthouse in 2013 after two people were shot and killed by Thomas Matusiewicz. His relatives go on trial later this year for their alleged role in planning the attack. (File/WHYY)

    Federal judge delays sentencing after defense attorney’s request for more time to review a pre-sentencing report.

    A federal judge has agreed to delay sentencing for the widow and children of a man who killed his former daughter-in-law at a Delaware courthouse on federal cyberstalking charges.

    David Matusiewicz, his mother, Lenore, and his sister, Amy Gonzalez, were to be sentenced Thursday for conspiracy and cyberstalking that resulted in the death of David’s ex-wife, Christine Belford. The cyberstalking conviction, which prosecutors have said is unprecedented, carries a possible life sentence.

    The judge on Tuesday rescheduled sentencing for Jan. 13.

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    In seeking the delay, Gonzalez’s attorney said the case involved many issues that require significant research and preparation. He also said defense lawyers want to review a pre-sentence investigation report to determine whether additional issues need to be presented.

    Belford was shot by Thomas Matusiewicz, who then killed himself.

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