In the high-profile murder trial of Nicholas Wayne Moore, a key witness avoided contempt charges after failing to appear in court last month.

Superior Court Judge Maria Cenzon ruled the absence was medically justified, but issued a stern warning moving forward. The witness is now ordered to appear on Oct. 20, with jury selection beginning Oct. 13. 

Moore is accused of shooting and killing 27-year-old Michael Castro in 2020. Castro’s body was discovered in Yigo a year after his disappearance. 

During Thursday's hearing, prosecutors and defense attorneys sparred over how much the witness’s medical condition should be scrutinized.

Judge Cenzon balanced privacy concerns with the court’s need to ensure attendance, warning that any future failure to appear could lead to contempt charges, petty misdemeanor penalties, or even detention. 

The witness, who revealed plans to move to Hawaii within six months, is barred from leaving the island without notifying both sides. 

A Zoom check-in is scheduled for Sept. 12 ahead of trial.