Casey John Carver is set to become the first of three men tried for rape in the high-profile Madison Brooks rape case later this year, and a new judge could be assigned to determine his guilt or innocence.

District Judge Gail Horne Ray has presided over Carver’s case since he was indicted on first- and third-degree rape charges in May 2023. She’s made several pivotal pre-trial decisions over the past two years.

State prosecutors sought to have Ray recused from the case last month. Because their motion was filed under seal, their reasoning is not publicly available at this time. Now, another 19th Judicial District Court judge will determine whether or not Ray should remain on the case.

She signed an order on Friday putting the state's motion for her recusal up for a different judge t

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