The attorney for accused killer Wilber Ernesto Martinez-Guzman says he will file a written motion to continue his client's murder trial. John Arrascada says Martinez-Guzman may have an intellectual disability, which would disqualify him from receiving the death penalty if convicted. The trial is set for April but Arrascada says that does not allow enough time to conduct the investigation.

"Roughly, at the earliest, you're looking at 11 months to have a complete, full and accurate intellectual investigation completed," Arrascada said.

Martinez-Guzman is accused of killing Connie Koontz and Sophia Renken in Gardnerville, and Jerry and Sherri David in south Reno. All four homicides happened in January.

"The wounds are very fresh," Michelle Drummond, the David's youngest niece said. "It's not getting easier. It's actually sinking in that they're really gone forever."

Drummond says her family is in favor of the death penalty if Martinez-Guzman is convicted. She wants the trial to go forward as planned. 

"It's horrible for the family," Drummond said. "We need closure. We need to move forward with this trial. It's going to bring closure not only for the David family but for the other victims as well."

Arrascada says Dr. Steven Greenspan would conduct the investigation. He says he is an "expert of experts", saying he has testified in 35 capital cases over the last 15 years, primarily for the defense but also by the courts. He says Greenspan is not available until later this year, which he says requires the delay.

"I impressed upon him that we had a trial date in April and he said that is unlikely and unrealistic," Arrascada said.

Prosecutors argue that Greenspan may be Arrascada's top choice to conduct the investigation but he is not the only one who is capable to handle the job. 

"They're not entitled to the expert of their choice," Mark Jackson, Douglas County District Attorney said. "They have an expert that is available."

Judge Connie Steinheimer will decide if the trial will happen in April or if it will be delayed. Arrascada says the investigation would set the trial back at the end of 2020 or as late as mid-2021.

Arrascada also spent five days in El Salvador, where Martinez-Guzman lived until he was 17 years-old. The purpose of the trip was to get more information that could help determine if Martinez-Guzman lacks the proper intelligence.

"We interviewed 10 family members," Arrascada said. "To put in perspective, at one point, your honor, I was in a field assisting with an irrigation while an interview could be conducted with one of my client's uncles."

Arrascada also interviewed two teachers, a principal and a custodian from Martinez-Guzman's school. He also visited three hospitals that have his records. He is looking into the possibility that fertilizers and pesticides from working in the fields may have affected the defendant's intelligence. 

He says intelligence disabilities depend on IQ tests, age and functional capacity, which is the main focus of the investigation.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of Nevada still has to determine if Martinez-Guzman can stand trial for all four murders in Washoe County, since two of the homicides happened in Douglas County.