Lawrence murder conspiracy trial continued to May

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- The three defendants authorities say are connected to the Oct. 27, 2009, murders of Jamie Lynn Orman and her sons will not appear before a judge again until next year.

At the Bollinger County Courthouse on Friday, Michelle Lawrence appeared with her attorney before Judge William L. Syler. Syler continued the case until May 20, taking no action at the hearing.

Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle said there was nothing to take action on at the time. Lawrence, 40, is charged with conspiracy to commit murder.

She allegedly conspired with Ryan Patterson and Samuel "Ray Ray" Hughes to kill John Lawrence, her estranged husband, who had filed for divorce. Authorities she and the two men planned to burn down the house as well in order to collect thousands of dollars in insurance money.

The most recent action taken in Lawrence's case happened at a hearing in April, when Syler denied a motion for a bond reduction. Swingle filed victim impact statements with the court late October and Nov. 5.

Hughes is charged with three counts of second-degree murder and a single count each of burglary and attempted arson. His trial is set to begin Jan. 18 in Bollinger County before Syler.

Patterson's trial was recently set to begin in August next year. Jury selection will begin July 28. in Pemiscot County. Patterson has been pinned by authorities as the one who shot Orman, who was eight months pregnant, and 15-year-old Derrick Orman. He's charged with three counts of first-degree murder and armed criminal action, burglary and attempted arson.

ehevern@semissourian.com

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