Trial date set for man accused of involuntary manslaughter

An end is in sight for the legal proceedings against Jason Merrill of Wappapello, Mo., who faces charges in connection with the July deaths of two Bonne Terre, Mo., residents.

A jury trial has been scheduled for 8:30 a.m. March 11 in the Cape Girardeau County Courthouse. A pretrial conference has been scheduled for 9 a.m. Feb. 15.

Several motions were filed before Monday's hearing, including a motion for depositions to be taken and a motion for bond reduction, which was denied.

Merrill is being held in the Cape Girardeau County Jail on $175,000 cash only bond.

Merrill is accused of causing a fatal crash July 7 on Route J that killed Peter and Susan AuBuchon.

He has been charged with two counts of first-degree involuntary manslaughter, one count of second-degree assault and one count of endangering the welfare of a child.

Added to those charges in August were two counts of first-degree involuntary manslaughter due to intoxication and two counts of second-degree involuntary manslaughter.

Merrill was arrested July 10 on a warrant for a probation violation.

Because of two prior convictions for second-degree burglary, he could be charged as a prior and persistent offender. If convicted, the first involuntary manslaughter charge with enhanced punishment entails a sentence of 10 to 30 years.