BEND, Ore. – The trial of Caleb Cegers, the 21-year-old accused of second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Taylor Wyss in downtown Bend in August 2023, has been rescheduled. Originally set for December 2024, the 10-day jury trial will now begin on January 13, 2025, following a hearing on December 15.
Cegers, who is currently being held without bail, appeared by video from jail for the hearing, where Deschutes County Circuit Judge Beth Bagley addressed concerns regarding the trial timeline. Despite the judge’s intention to have the trial concluded before the end of 2024, logistical issues, including Cegers’ disputes with his defense team, led to the delay.
Cegers has raised multiple complaints about his attorneys, Lisa Valenta and Dylan Potter, alleging poor communication, disrespectful behavior, and inadequate preparation. In a series of statements to the court, Cegers accused Valenta of yelling, cussing, and calling him “stupid.” He also claimed that his efforts to contact her were met with consistent failure, and that she had been dismissive of his concerns.
Judge Bagley addressed Cegers’ request for a new court-appointed lawyer, rejecting his allegations of mistreatment. “While you are entitled to competent representation, both attorneys are qualified to handle a trial of this magnitude,” she told Cegers. Despite his dissatisfaction, the judge ruled that Valenta and Potter would remain as his legal counsel. “You need to accept that they will be your lawyers,” Bagley added, urging Cegers to have realistic expectations regarding his legal representation.
Cegers had initially sought to have Valenta removed from the case, citing the breakdown in their professional relationship. Valenta, in turn, responded that she had maintained regular communication with Cegers, though she acknowledged a few challenges in meeting with him due to logistical issues at the jail. She described the strained relationship as a result of misunderstandings, but insisted she remained committed to his defense.
In the midst of the discussion, Cegers questioned whether he could continue working with attorneys who had allegedly disrespected him. However, Bagley was firm in her decision, stating, “If you want something different, you are welcome to represent yourself – which is a terrible idea – or you can hire your own attorney.” The judge emphasized that the trial would proceed in 2025, and stressed the importance of maintaining professionalism between Cegers and his defense team moving forward.
Cegers faces charges related to the shooting death of Taylor Wyss, 33, who was killed outside a downtown Bend bar in August 2023. According to authorities, the shooting occurred following an altercation between Cegers and Wyss. Cegers has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and his defense team has argued that the case is complex, requiring expert testimony and additional preparation time.
As the legal proceedings continue, Judge Bagley made it clear that the trial would proceed on the rescheduled date in January 2025. “This trial will be conducted this year,” she said, reiterating that further delays would not be acceptable.
