COVINGTON — Two Northern Kentucky residents charged with killing a Delta Air Lines pilot will stand trial separately, a judge has ruled.

        Kenton County Circuit Judge Patricia Summe ruled to split the trial.

        Judge Summe did not rule on whether Ronald Pryor or Adele Craven will stand trial first April 23. Assistant Attorney General Luke Morgan, who is prosecuting both cases, said he hopes to determine which trial starts first.

        The pair is charged with murder in connection with the July 2000 death of Mrs. Craven's husband, Steven Craven, 38. Police say Mrs. Craven wanted her husband dead because she wanted a part of his large life insurance policy and so she could pursue an affair with Russell McIntire of Erlanger.

        Mr. McIntire has pleaded guilty to murder and agreed to testify against Mrs. Craven and Mr. Pryor. For his cooperation, he will avoid the death penalty. Prosecutors are recommending a sentence for him of life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years.

        The Cravens' two sons are being cared for by a relative in another state.

        The case was delayed once because the judge didn't want undue sympathy for airline pilots after Sept. 11 to influence a jury. It was originally scheduled to go to trial in October.

        Now, the case is in danger of further delay because a bailiff who formerly worked for Judge Summe has taken a job with a private investigation firm working for Mrs. Craven.

        Mr. Pryor's attorneys say that bailiff was present during confidential discussions in the judge's chambers. Mr. Pryor's attorneys contend the former bailiff could pass along information to the Craven defense, which will try to blame the murder on Mr. Pryor. Investigators say he was hired as a hit man.

Police inquiry scorches Roach
Video showed officer lied
Chief supported Roach early
Different statements key in investigation
Evendale leaders shrug at report
Racial, police, legal issues converge as anniversary nears
Streicher's statement
Timeline of Roach-Thomas case
Graham refuses to halt mission
Hispanic tastes feed businesses
Anti-boycotters meet, brainstorm
Anti-lead paint campaign readied
Cranley chooses UC legal faculty
High-school critics assess diverse musicals
Hike/bike trail raises concerns
Kids' weight, heart risk tied
Lodging tax debate starts anew
Negotiators hope to reach agreement today
Tristate A.M. Report
Two shot dead, one stabbed
BRONSON: Roach report
HOWARD: Some Good News
SAMPLES: Not-so-big news
SMITH AMOS: Praying for change
Attorney accused of sexual assault
Forum tackles Liberty growth
Hospital president criticizes leaders
Principal, board mum on departure
Run benefits ill Oxford girl
Puck kills fan during NHL game
Defendants in pilot's killing face separate trials
Kenton County schools seek workers at job fair
Kentucky fears more flooding
Priest cases upset faithful
Tax reform goal of baby steps