Accused Carthage child killer asks for change of venue, change of judge

The attorney for the 20-year-old Carthage woman accused of second degree murder in connection with the death of two-year-old Emalata Hoeft does not want the trial to be held in Jasper County.

Public defender Larry Maples filed a joint motion for change of judge and change of venue today in Jasper County Circuit Court.

The decision on that motion may be made during the next court date, which is scheduled for 9 a.m. February 8 before Judge David Dally.

Tearra Diane Olsen pleaded not guilty during her December 21 arraignment in Dally's court.
In addition to second degree murder, Olson is charged with felony abuse or neglect of a child. She told police she slammed two-year-old Emalata Hoeft's head against a hard surface three times August 29, resulting in the child's death.

Olson was living with the child's father, Albert Steven O'Conner (pictured with Olson). She told police that Emalata Hoeft was crying and out of frustration she hit the child's head against the hard surface.

O'Conner was charged with felony endangering the welfare of a child A motions hearing is set for 9 a.m. Monday, January 11, before Judge Dally, at which time O'Conner may change his plea, according to court records.