Ft. Hood slaying suspect seeks trial delay

FORT HOOD, Texas, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Lawyers representing the U.S. Army psychiatrist charged in the 2009 shooting rampage at Fort Hood, Texas, said they plan to seek a delay in his court-martial.

Lt. Col. Kris Poppe, Army Maj. Nidal Hasan's lead attorney, said the request expected to be made Thursday in a hearing is "purely a matter of necessity" so the defense has adequate time for pre-trial preparation, CNN reported.

Hasan is charged with killing 13 people and wounding dozens more in the shooting spree at Fort Hood, Texas, on Nov. 5, 2009.

His court-martial, in which prosecutors will seek the death penalty, is scheduled to begin March 5.

Hasan has not entered a plea.