SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) - An attorney for the suspect in the kidnapping and death of a 10-year-old Springfield girl is asking to have the trial moved out of Greene County.
Attorney Patrick Berrigan argued in a motion Monday that media coverage had made Greene County residents prejudiced against Craig Michael Wood, who is accused of raping and killing fourth-grader Hailey Owens in February.
Prosecuting Attorney Dan Patterson objected to the change, arguing that Wood could get a fair trial in Greene County.
The Springfield News-Leader reported (http://sgfnow.co/1rnqMS8) Patterson also asked this week that the court require Wood to submit a handwriting sample. Prosecutors are trying to prove Wood wrote pornographic stories that were found in his home after Hailey's body was found there.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Wood.