A high-profile death penalty case from Springfield that drew national media coverage is before the Missouri Supreme Court in Jefferson City.
57-year-old Craig Wood was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death for the 2014 abduction, sexual assault and murder of 10-year-old Hailey Owens. Craig Wood’s trial took place in Greene County Circuit Court, but the jury was selected in Platte County due to extensive media coverage of the case. A judge sentenced Wood to death and the Missouri Supreme Court affirmed the judgment on direct appeal.
Wood’s case is back before the Missouri Supreme Court, and they heard oral arguments in the case on Wednesday. Wood contends that his trial attorney was ineffective and also says his state and federal constitutional rights have been violated. He also alleges that during the trial, a tote bag in which Hailey Owens’ body was found was displayed where the jury could see it.
The Missouri Supreme Court has not ruled yet.