Trial set for man, woman accused in killing of Cape Girardeau native

BELLINGHAM, Wash. -- After several delays, the trials of a couple accused of murdering a Cape Girardeau native are set to begin May 21.

Keayn Dunya and his girlfriend, Kara Buchanan, pleaded not guilty July 22 in a Whatcom County, Wash., courtroom in the July 3 shooting of Dunya's estranged wife, Kriston Peterman-Dunya, formerly of Cape Girardeau. Dunya is charged with first-degree murder, and Buchanan is charged with conspiracy to commit murder and rendering criminal assistance. Both suspects' trials were originally scheduled for September, were delayed until November, then postponed again.

Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney David McEachran said the trials set to begin in May could take up to three weeks.

After missing a day of work, Peterman-Dunya, 32, was found dead in her Bellingham apartment after a concerned co-worker went to check on her July 5.

Prosecutors have suggested for a motive that Dunya and Peterman-Dunya, who had separated, were about to go through a custody battle for their young son, Kai.

Peterman-Dunya's parents, Gene and Wilda Peterman, are taking care of Kai.

Pertinent address:

Bellingham, WA