Trials reset for Cedar Rapids man accused in fatal stabbing, theft

A Linn County trial for a man accused in the fatal stabbing of Shanna Beyhl last April will be reset.

The court proceedings against Bobbie Little, 32, of Cedar Rapids, charged with second-degree theft, and first-degree murder, had been suspended pending his mental evaluation but he was found competent to stand trial in December and both trials were continued.

His murder trial was reset to May 18 and his theft trial was continued Thursday but a new trial date hasn't been set at this time.

Little is accused of stabbing and killing Beyhl, 37, in her Cedar Rapids apartment April 4, 2014. According to an autopsy, Beyhl was stabbed multiple times in the neck and abdomen.

Little was initially charged with second-degree theft for allegedly trading or giving away items belonging to Beyhl, including her television and a gaming system.

Little was evaluated at Iowa Medical and Classification Center in Coralville by a psychiatrist and psychologist, according to a court order. Defense attorneys asked for the evaluation based on Little's mental health history and the fact that he has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizo-affective disorder that might prevent him from understanding the proceedings and assisting in his defense, according to an order.