Lawyer for suspect in Orman murders asks for time to obtain evidence

The attorney for a Cape Girardeau man accused in the murders of Jamie Lynn Orman and her son Derrick Orman asked for more time to obtain evidence in the case in a court hearing today in Jackson.

David Kenyon, attorney for Ryan T. Patterson, suspected shooter in the Oct. 27 murders at 1224 N. Missouri Ave., appeared before Circuit Court Judge William Syler Tuesday without his client.

Kenyon said he needs more time to obtain various records, such as paperwork from the division of family services. He asked the judge to delay the case one month, moving Patterson's next hearing to Feb. 16.

Patterson, 28, is charged with three counts of first-degree murder, three counts of armed criminal action and a single count of burglary.

Kenyon said there's been difficulty in gathering some of the records and once he locates and copies them, he'd like Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle to review them. It's imperative Swingle reviews the records, Kenyon said, prior to reaching a decision on whether or not he'll seek the death penalty for Patterson.

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jack Koester said Swingle has agreed to reserve making his decisions on the death penalty until he reads all of the materials Kenyon would like him to review.

If Swingle does not seek the death penalty, Patterson would face life in prison without parole if convicted.

Patterson is one of three suspects in the Orman murders. Michelle Lawrence, 39, allegedly initiated a plot to kill her husband, John Lawrence, and burn the house they owned jointly to obtain a $350,000 insurance payout before their divorce was final. Jamie Orman was dating John Lawrence at the time of her murder.

Michelle Lawrence is accused of a single count of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder.

The third suspect in the crime, Samuel R. "Ray Ray" Hughes, 25, charged with three counts of second-degree murder, burglary and attempted arson in the shooting, will also return to court Feb. 16. At a Jan. 4 hearing his lawyer asked for time to review a lengthy police report in the case.

ehevern@semissourian.com

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