Trial date set in Knoxville teacher love-triangle murder

Trial date set in Knoxville teacher love-triangle murder

June 20, 2007

KNOXVILLE (WATE/AP) -- The teacher's husband charged with killing his wife's student lover was given a trial date for early next year.

Eric McLean is charged in the March shooting of 18-year-old Sean Powell outside McLean's home in Knoxville.

McLean has said he believed Powell was having an affair with his wife, Erin McLean. Erin McLean taught at Powell's high school.

McLean's attorney Bruce Poston made a motion for a speedy trial, but the judge set the date for January 21, 2008.

The judge also rejected McLean's claim that he was unable to afford an attorney since he's out of jail on a $150,000 bond and earning a living.

After court Wednesday, Powell and McLean's families refused to speak on camera.

However, McLean's attorney, Bruce Poston, says he stands behind the claim that Powell's murder was an act of passion. He says the fact that Powell was killed after confronting McLean at his home will help their case.

"I can assure you that this trial will be not be about second and manslaughter (charges). It will be lower than that," Poston says. 

Erin McLean, who's expected to testify in the trial, was not in court Wednesday. Eric McLean has had no contact with his wife while she's staying in Nashville with their two children.

A grand jury charged McLean with second-degree murder that carries a maximum 25-year sentence.

6 News Reporter Hana Kim contributed to this report. Some portions of this report copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.