Wicomico Co. murder retrial has been postponed

The retrial of a Wicomico County man who was convicted of killing his estranged wife in 1980 has been postponed.

Charles Simms was convinced back in 1980 of killing his wife Darlene Simms. Officials say back then, Simms was sentenced to life in prison. Last November, the Court of Special Appeals of Maryland ruled to essentially throw out his conviction and schedule a new trial on the grounds that there were problems with jury instructions during his trial in 1980. Officials tell us the Office of Attorney General had asked to appeal the decision to grant Simms a retrial and asked for a stay in the case, meaning for no proceedings to take place on the circuit level at this moment. Officials of the Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office tell us the  stay has been granted and the case is currently on hold.

There has not been a  new trial date scheduled. Authorities say Simms is now being held in Wicomico County without bond. He is still facing life in prison for a first degree murder charge.