A 30-year-old Edgecomb man has sought to suppress evidence collected in a Dec. 25, 2022 murder investigation in Lincoln County Superior Court. 

On Sept. 4, attorney James Howaniec advocated for his client Tyler Witham-Jordan who is accused of depraved indifference murder in the death of 3-year-old Makinzlee Handrahan. Witham-Jordan was living with the victim and her mother. 

During the hearing, Howaniec sought to limit testimony from certain witnesses, and exclude past allegations of wrongdoing against the defendant. Superior Court Justice Daniel Billings denied several defense requests, but he did urge caution when prosecutors introduce certain information to the jury, according to court records.

On Dec. 25, 2022, Witham-Jordan and the victim's mother were the only two adults in the house, according to court documents. The defense believes the mother is a likely suspect and requested the court review and share her medical records. Billings denied the request. 

A trial date has not been set.