Pretrial for Kassotis dismemberment case brings new info to light

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The trial for Nicholas Kassotis is less than two weeks away, and we have new information regarding the case.

For any who may remember, Kassotis faces twelve charges including malice murder and the dismemberment of his second wife, Mindi Mebane Kassotis.

A pretrial hearing this morning dealt with whether or not the defendant’s relationship with his first wife should be allowed as evidence in the trial.

Kassotis ended his relationship with his first wife owing her $1.5 million.

While the defense says the three-year gap from their last point of contact illustrates how these are separated issues, the state believes this debt was the beginning that led to him and his second wife going on the run together.

“It’s motive for him being on the run, it explains that the story all started because of this,” said assistant district attorney Laurie Baio.

The judge said he was inclined to allow the testimony in the trial.

A big part of the trial yet to be fully uncovered is Jim McIntyre.

During and after his time on the run, Kassotis claims McIntyre was controlling every aspect of his life, but the state believes that McIntyre isn’t a real person.

“He says all of this in an effort to explain why he and Mindi are on the run,” Baio said.

“Jim McIntyre, clearly that wasn’t his real name, absolutely exists,” said defense attorney Doug Weinstein. “They were moving every few days at the control of this person we’ll keep calling Jim McIntyre.”

Here are full statements from both sides after the pretrial.

“We look forward to the trial and finally being able to clear Mr. Kassotis’ name. This trial is a long time coming, through no fault of any individual, but the YSL trial in Atlanta caused the delay and we’re glad to finally try the case.”

Doug Weinstein

“The office of the District Attorney for the Atlantic Judicial Circuit is preparing for the trial of the state vs. Nicholas Kassotis. We hope that we are moving closer to justice for the family of our victim, Mindi Mebane Kassotis.”

Atlantic Judicial Circuit Defense Attorney Billy Joe Nelson

The trial begins on August 4, directly after jury selection.