The trial of a northeast Iowa man accused of killing his girlfriend has been delayed. Lynn LaMasters waived his right to a speed trial yesterday in Buchanan County District Court. The Jesup man is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Patricia Rapacki, whose body was found in the basement of her Jesup home in January. The trial judge agreed to a continuation after lawyers for both sides said they needed more time to prepare. LaMasters’ trial, which was scheduled to start next Wednesday, will likely be pushed back to February. The new date is expected to be set next month. LaMasters has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge.
