Change of venue sought for man accused of murdering MSSU coach

A March 28 hearing has been set on a change of venue request for the Joplin man accused of murdering Missouri Southern State University offensive line coach Derek Moore.

Jeffrey Bruner, 40, is charged with first degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with the November 1 shooting death of Moore outside of Northstar Regal 14 Theater. Police say the murder took place when Bruner confronted his estranged wife, Dawn Michele Bruner, and Moore.

As it stands now, Bruner's trial is scheduled to begin January 20, 2015, in Jasper County Circuit Court, with Judge Gayle Crane presiding.

Another motions hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Monday, April 14.

Preliminary hearing for coach accused of murdering Hailey Owens postponed indefinitely

A second change of judge was granted Monday in the first degree murder case against Springfield Pleasant View Coach Craig Michael Wood, causing a delay in his scheduled April 23 preliminary hearing.

The preliminary hearing for Wood, who is charged with first degree murder, kidnapping, and armed criminal action in connection with the February 18 death of 10-year-old Hailey Owens of Springfield, had already been pushed back from March 19 to April 7 before the first change of judge was granted.

The first change of judge came at the request of Wood's lawyer, public defender Christopher Shane Hatley. The second was requested by the prosecution, according to online court records.