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Last updated on Wednesday, August 31, 2011
(BLOOMFIELD) - Randy Knapp, 52, of Bloomington, appeared in Greene County Circuit Court Tuesday morning. Knapp is accused of murdering Stacey Jo Lawson, 28, Solsberry.
Police allege Knapp hit Lawson repeatedly in the head with a large geode causing her death.
Green County Prosecutor Jarrod Holtsclaw is charging Knapp with murder, a class A felony, criminal confinement, a class B felony, and obstruction of justice, a class D felony. Knapp was given a copy of his charges and the court appointed James Reister, of Reister and Strueh Law Firm, in Bloomfield, as his public defender.
Knapp, if found guilty of murder, could be sentenced to 65 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. If found guilty of criminal confinement he could be sentenced to 20 years with a $10,000 fine. The obstruction of justice charge carries a 3-year-sentence and a $10,000 fine.
The obstruction of justice charge was filed because Knapp allegedly destroyed Lawson's cell phone and shoe, both considered evidence in the case, according to Holtsclaw.
An omnibus hearing date was set for Oct. 24 and a pre-trial conference at 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 11, 2012. His trial by jury was set for 9 a.m. Jan. 30, 2012.
Knapp is being held in the Greene County Jail without bond.
Lawson's family was in the courtroom.
Lawson's body was found by her boyfriend on Aug. 20 in a wooded area near Newark Baptist Church. Knapp was arrested in Bloomington at his father's home on Aug. 20 on a residential entry charge.
Knapp has denied any involvement in Lawson's death. Knapp told police he had been taking methamphetamines before his arrest .
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