Hasan's Attorney Seeks Pre-Trial Experts

Hasan charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder

The Army psychiatrist charged in the Fort Hood shooting rampage was to be back in court for a pre-trial hearing Thursday.

Maj. Nidal Hasan's attorneys were requesting certain expert witnesses for his military trial, set for March.

The witness was to determine who pre-trail publicity might impact the case and Hasan's ability to receive a fair trial.   The defense was also requesting a jury consultant.

The judge, Col. Gregory Gross, said he wouldn't make a ruling on the defense's request on Thursday and did not establish a timeline for  when he'd make the ruling.

Hasan, 41, is charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted premeditated murder. He faces the death penalty or life in prison without parole if convicted in the November 2009 shootings on the Texas Army post.

Thursday's hearing was the first since Hasan was arraigned in July. He hasn't yet entered a plea.

Hasan was paralyzed after being shot the day of the rampage. He remains jailed.

NBC 5's Amanda Guerra contributed to this report.

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