Sandra Plunkett, 37, Holts Summit, appeared in court Monday for the first time since her initial arraignment in Callaway County Associate Circuit Court on Jan. 7.
Plunkett - who pleaded not guilty to the first-degree murder charge of her husband Paul Plunkett - appeared with her attorney, Public Defender Justin Carver, for a change of venue hearing Monday morning. On Plunkett's behalf, Carver asked Circuit Judge Christine Carpenter to pass on the change of venue decision. With no objection from Callaway County Prosecutor Chris Wilson, Carpenter passed on the decision.
Wilson said the defense wanted to wait until a trial judge and date are set before deciding on whether to proceed with a change of venue. He added that the defense's earlier motion for change of venue keeps that option open.
The case will now go back to Judge Gary Oxenhandler, presiding judge of the 13th Judicial Circuit Court, so he can decide when a hearing for setting a trial date and judge will be held.
Carver said he could not comment on why Plunkett asked for a change of venue.