Advance murder suspect's case moved to Cape County

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- A Dexter, Mo., man accused of involvement in a murder in Advance, Mo., will have his case heard in Cape Girardeau County.

Scott Evans was charged for his alleged role in the Feb. 19 shooting death of Sean Crow at a McDonald's in Advance.

Until now, Evans has been going before a judge alongside co-defendant Matthew Cook.

At a preliminary hearing June 7, the pair was bound over to Division 1 where their cases were heard by Presiding Judge Robert Mayer.

In late June, Evans' attorney, James McClellan of Sikeston, Mo., requested a new judge and a change of venue.

Mayer sent the case to the Missouri Supreme Court, at which time Judge William Syler was appointed to hear Evans' case.

Last week, Syler approved the change of venue, moving the case to Cape Girardeau County, where Syler presides.

Evans has since been moved to the Cape Girardeau County Jail.

No date has yet been set for his first hearing at the new venue.

One of Cook's attorneys, Beth Ann Kerry, on Monday filed change-of-venue and change-of-judge motions on Cook's behalf. Mayer has yet to rule on those motions.

Cook and Evans are each charged with one count of first-degree murder, one count of felony first-degree robbery and two counts of felony armed criminal action.

A $250,000 cash-only bond was set for Evans. No bond was set for Cook.

In March, Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Russell Oliver said he would seek the death penalty in the case against Cook.

Evans is believed to have driven Cook to Advance where Cook allegedly walked up to the window of Crow's pickup and shot him.

In a probable-cause affidavit filed by Stoddard County Sheriff's deputy Hank Trout, who led the investigation, Cook is said to have admitted to shooting Crow.

Video surveillance cameras at businesses in the area where the shooting took place led authorities to Cook and Evans.

Pertinent address:

Bloomfield, Mo.

Advance, Mo.