Judge recuses himself from Pocatello murder case

A judge recused himself from a Pocatello murder case Monday.

Jesse Bruce, 25, is facing a charge of second-degree murder, and Tyrell Dixey, 31, is facing a charge of being a principal to second-degree murder in the death of Lric Allen Elkins. They were supposed to be in a preliminary hearing Monday.

One of the defendants — it was unclear which one — expressed some concerns in court documents about 6th District Court Judge Thomas Clark.

Clark was on call when the killing took place and signed various warrants and detention orders. In addition, outside of work, Clark is a Scoutmaster, and Bannock County Coroner Kim Quick, who would likely be called as a witness in the case, is his assistant Scoutmaster.

Clark voluntarily recused himself.

It is unknown when the preliminary hearing will be rescheduled or with what judge.

Elkins, 24, died after being stabbed in the back in an apartment on the 100 block of North Grant Street on June 5. A woman called police after seeing a bathtub filled with blood.