Attorney’s death results in trial delays

The death of contract defense attorney Martin Hart resulted in the delay of two major trials.

Hart’s death was announced by District Judge Tod Young at the July 18 Douglas County commissioners meeting.

Hart, a former specialty teams prosecutor in Clark County, had been defending clients in Douglas County since 2022.

He was admitted to the Bar in 1997 having graduated from the University of Idaho.

“He was a kind and decent man who made a difference in people’s lives,” Young said.

Hart would often offer his clients rides and would bring presents to give the children in juvenile court, Young said.

Hart was representing Chase Henderson, who is accused in the robbery of the COD Casino on July 14, 2023. A trial was scheduled for Henderson and alleged accomplice Andrew Toomey in September. They will return to court on Tuesday for a new trial date to be set with Henderson’s new attorney.

A second trial scheduled for Aug. 23 was delayed to Jan. 6, 2025, in the case of Topaz Ranch Estates resident Ryan Todd Nelson, who is accused of sexual assault of a victim under the age of 16.

New attorney Marc Phillip Picker said he was appointed to the case on July 19 and has a significant amount of discovery to get through. He said he will need an additional two days for the trial to call an additional expert.

Hart also represented commission candidate Jason Garrett Gibson.