Retiring D.A. endorses deputy

Jackson County District Attorney Mark Huddleston confirmed Wednesday that he is to retire in 2012, and added his support to his second in command to be his replacement.

Endorsing Chief Deputy D.A. Beth Heckert, Huddleston described her as being extremely qualified, and having extensive trial court and administrative experience.

Heckert has been with the prosecutors office for 23 years and was recently lead prosecutor on the Jordan Criado murder case.