Advance murder case moved to Dunklin County

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- Matthew Cook will not stand trial in Stoddard County for his alleged role in a Feb. 19 killing at a McDonald's in Advance, Mo.

Earlier this month, attorneys for Cook filed a request for a change of venue and judge in the case.

Cook, along with co-defendant Scott Evans, are charged with one count of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree robbery and two counts of felony armed criminal action. He is accused in the fatal shooting of Sean Crow.

Judge Robert Mayer allowed Cook's requests, which were sent to the Missouri Supreme Court for official assignment.

Judge Fred Copeland of the 34th circuit last week officially was appointed by the court and will hear the case in Kennett, Mo.

As of Monday, no hearing date had been set in the case's new location.

Cook also will be transferred to the Dunklin County Jail, where he will remain for the duration of the trial if his bond refusal by Judge Joe Satterfield remains intact under Copeland.

In March, Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Russell Oliver announced his intention to seek the death penalty against Cook.

Evans' case early this month was moved to Cape Girardeau County and will be heard by Judge William Syler. He is slated to appear Sept. 16.

Evans is accused of driving Cook to Advance. When they arrived, Cook allegedly walked up to the window of Crow's pickup truck and shot him in the head.

In the probable-cause affidavit filed by Stoddard County Sheriff's Deputy Hank Trout, Cook is said to have admitted to the shooting of Crow. Video surveillance cameras at businesses in the area where the shooting took place led authorities to the pair.