LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) — The judicial wheels are turning again in the first-degree murder case against Landon Broussard, whose trial was blocked this year when state money for expert witnesses dried up.

Attorneys for Broussard told a state judge on Monday that the case's second mitigation specialist, Stacey Farraro, received state money in early June to begin her role in the case. Farraro will look into Broussard's past, researching appellate court decisions that could affect the case and lining up witnesses.

The Advocate reports the 22-year-old Broussard has been awaiting trial in the March 2013 death of 3-year-old Julien Madera.

Julien's mother, 24-year-old Laura Smith, pleaded guilty on May 19 to cruelty to a juvenile, admitting she was guilty of doing nothing to stop the beatings and other abuses of her child.

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