JACKSON, Mo. (AP) - The estranged husband of a southeast Missouri mother of triplets who disappeared last year will stand trial for murder in his wife's presumed death.
The Southeast Missourian reports a Cape Girardeau County judge on Monday bound Clay Waller over to circuit court for trial. He's charged with first-degree murder and evidence tampering.
Waller is accused of killing 39-year-old Jacque Waller, who was last seen on June 1, 2011. Her car was found abandoned along Interstate 55, but her body has never been recovered.
Monday's ruling followed a seven-hour preliminary hearing last week in which prosecutors outlined a largely circumstantial case. They called nearly 20 witnesses, including some who testified that Waller had threatened to kill his wife.
Waller is scheduled to be arraigned Aug. 6 in circuit court.
Laura Long Helbig released the following statement from the family:
"Obviously, Jacque Waller's family is relieved that the judge found the evidence presented adequate to send this case to the circuit court. Until the conclusion of the trial, the family will be not be available for comments to the media. Please respect their request as they prepare themselves for the next stage in this year long ordeal. While the matter is in the hands of the judicial system, it is the finding their daughter and bringing her home that is uppermost on the minds of her family and friends."
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Information from: Southeast Missourian, http://www.semissourian.com
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