Another recusal, another delay in Clinton County murder case

For the second time, the Supreme Court of Missouri is being asked to name a new judge to preside over a Clinton County murder case. Adam Baker was bound over for trial after a preliminary hearing this week. He was charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action after the fatal shooting of his wife Holly Baker in February.

Formal Circuit Court arraignment had been scheduled June 2, but on Tuesday, Circuit Judge R. Brent Elliott recused himself from hearing the case.

It was transferred to Presiding Judge Thomas N. Chapman, who then transferred it to the Supreme Court for the assignment of a new judge.

The case faced similar delays earlier. Associate Circuit Judge Teresa Lynn Christian-Bingham recused herself from hearing the preliminary hearing on February 26. A new judge was assigned three weeks later, on March 19.

Mr Baker remains in custody in the Clinton County Jail, unable to post $75,000 cash bond.