Staten's court date is postponed

A man charged with killing a Maplewood resident he had met in a chat room is due back in court later this month.

John Staten was scheduled to go before a Superior Court judge Tuesday morning for a status conference, but the appearance was postponed until Feb. 23.

Staten was indicted last year in the March 15, 2010 slaying of Arthur Downey inside Downey’s apartment on Henry Place. An autopsy determined the 27-year-old was bludgeoned and asphyxiated to death, authorities said.

Peter Guarnino, the assistant Essex County Prosecutor handling the case, declined to elaborate on any plea offer or other details.

He said if the case is not resolved at the next court appearance, a judge will pick a trial date.

Staten, 32, has been held in lieu of $1 million bail in the Essex County Correctional Facility since Oct. 20, 2010, jail records showed.

Charged with murder, the resident of Orange faces life in prison if convicted.

— Philip Sean Curran