Walker infant murder trial moved to next year

Defense lawyers have asked for more time to prepare for the murder trial of Allen Walker Jr., the Cape Girardeau man accused in the August death of his 7-week-old son.

Circuit Judge Benjamin Lewis on Monday set Walker's two-day trial for Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, according to Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle.

Jury selection will be in Benton, Mo., on Jan. 30, but the trial is scheduled to take place in Jackson.

Walker is represented by public defender Patty Tucka, who has not returned phone calls seeking comment.

The trial was originally set to conclude Oct. 14. Walker is charged with second-degree murder and child endangerment following his son's death at a St. Louis hospital.

The child had severe injuries to his head that medical professionals told the court at Walker's preliminary hearing couldn't have been caused by a Pack-and-Play falling onto his body.

Walker told authorities after his arrest the playpen fell on the infant.

Pertinent address:

100 Court St., Jackson, MO