VMI grad seeks mistrial after murder conviction

Lawyers for convicted killer Wyatt Ward Hollar are seeking a mistrial based on the belief that the jury in the case had access to excluded evidence during deliberations.

Hollar, a National Guard member and graduate of Virginia Military Institute, was convicted Oct. 31 of murdering his girlfriend last year after a four-day jury trial in Henrico County Circuit Court.

In court papers filed by his defense team this week, Hollar asserts that during deliberations, jurors may have viewed redacted portions of a videotape of Hollar's police interrogation.

It was not clear when a hearing will occur on Hollar's request.

Henrico Commonwealth's Attorney Wade Kizer said he had not fully reviewed the defense motions but believes grounds for a mistrial likely don't exist.

Hollar, 29, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the shooting death of Danielle Wilson and for use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

Wilson died in Hollar's Glenside Drive apartment Feb. 11, 2007, after a night of drinking.

Hollar told officials she had committed suicide, but Wilson's family pushed for months to bring a case against Hollar. Her body was exhumed in December 2007.
Contact Bill McKelway at (804) 649-6601 or .