Sentencing delayed for Cape Girardeau home invader

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- A Cape Girardeau man accused of attempting to rape a 16-year-old last May had his sentencing postponed Tuesday after questions were raised about a court-ordered sentencing assessment report.

Circuit Court Judge Fred W. Copeland reset Craig Kizer's sentencing for March 22 in order to give the Board of Probation and Parole time to submit a corrected report.

Jack Koester, Cape Girardeau County assistant prosecuting attorney, said incorrect charge codes were listed in the report by the Board of Probation and Parole. Kizer's attorney, public defender Patty Tucka, caught the administrative mistake, Koester said.

Kizer, who forced his way into a Minnesota Avenue home May 30, pleaded guilty to attempted forcible rape in New Madrid County a day before a jury was set to hear his case in January. In exchange for his guilty plea, prosecutors dropped charges of armed criminal action, burglary and possession of a controlled substance.

The victim's mother found Kizer, who was carrying a knife, hunched over her daughter on her bed. At gunpoint she forced him out of their residence. Kizer, according to the mother's testimony, was helping them with construction work in the home.

ehevern@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address:

Minnesota Avenue, Cape Girardeau, MO

450 Main St., New Madrid, MO