A judge has approved an extension for the submission of closing arguments in Mark Sievers’ most recent appeal case. Initially, both state prosecutors and Sievers’ defense team were given 45 days to file their written closing statements.

The deadline was set for a week from Monday, December 15. However, on November 19, attorneys representing Sievers—Megan Montagno, Julissa Fontan, and John LoBianco—requested more time. They cited their concurrent involvement in the impending execution case of another death row client as the reason for the extension.

This request was granted by Lee Circuit Judge Bruce Kyle.

Dr. Teresa Sievers, a talented and compassionate physician, took a family trip to visit relatives with her husband and two young daughters.

Returning home early to be ready for work the next morning, Teresa left her family in Connecticut. When she failed to appear for work, Mark Sievers asked a colleague of his wife to check on her at their home.

Tragically, Dr. Teresa Sievers was discovered brutally murdered, still dressed in the outfit she had worn home from the airport, high heels included. The kitchen was a scene of horror, with blood everywhere and a hammer lying nearby.

Husband Mark Sievers is ultimately charged with murder, accused of arranging for his childhood friend, Curtis Wayne Wright, to murder his wife.

Wright pleaded guilty to 2nd-degree murder, cooperating with prosecutors in Mark Sievers’s trial.  Sievers is convicted and now is appealing his death sentence.

Joining Nancy Grace to discuss the case:

“Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” on Fox Nation is also a national radio show on SiriusXM channel 111, airing for two hours daily starting at 12 p.m. EST. You can also subscribe and download the daily podcasts at iHeart Podcasts.

[Feature Photo: Dr. Teresa Sievers/Valley Community Foundation]