Judge denies motion to dismiss charges in 2005 shooting case

VAN BUREN, Mo. -- Circuit Court Judge David Evans denied the motion to dismiss charges against the man accused of the 2005 shooting death of a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper. Also Tuesday, he denied a motion for a continuance in the case.

Lance Shockley is charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of Sgt. Carl Dewayne Graham Jr. Prosecutors allege Shockley was a suspect of the trooper's investigation into a fatal hit-and-run accident in November 2004. Prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty if Shockley is convicted.

Shockley's attorneys moved to have all charges dismissed after the state announced it would not call Shockley's wife as a witness at trial arguing that her testimony is key to the prosecution's case.

The defense has also moved for another continuance so more witnesses could be deposed. The trial is set to begin Aug. 11.

Read more in Wednesday's Southeast Missourian.