Cape Coral murder suspect speaks during court hearing

DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS, Fla. – The man accused of killing Barry Schmalbach in Cape Coral more than a year ago told the court Thursday he is ready to prove his innocence.

Christopher Gregory Davis is Schmalbach’s ex-boyfriend, who went missing in July 2023.

Cape Coral police say Davis killed Schmalbach, but they have not yet found his body.

Watch what the suspect said below:

‘Prove my innocence’: Cape Coral murder suspect speaks during court hearing

Prosecutors said during a hearing Thursday that the case is moving at a “glacial speed,” to which Davis nodded his head.

“Judge, with all due respect, since the last time we were before this court, we have specifically requested that this case be continued and kept on a short leash,” said Assistant State’s Attorney Andreas Gardiner. “The state is actually very frustrated with the progress in this particular case.”

Davis’ attorney says he hasn’t been involved in the case as long as prosecutors and still has to interview about 20 witnesses in so-called depositions. Witnesses testify for both sides, which is not open to the public so that the defense and prosecution can question them before a trial.

Prosecutors say they could be ready to go to trial in January or February.

Davis told the courtroom he wants this to happen.

“I am ready to prove my innocence and I agree with them that this is taking too long,” Davis said. “I think this needs to be accelerated.”

When asked by Judge Nick Thompson about an expected trial date by the defense, the attorney did not respond.

They will appear in court again on December 19, where the judge said he wants both sides to set an expected trial date.