Carnahan Trial Delayed Again As Dee Wampler Battles Cancer:

Gerald Carnahan

In a case that has already been delayed numerous times, it appears that the murder trial of Gerald Carnahan will be delayed again, as his lead attorney has been diagnosed with cancer.

In motions filed with the court today (02-10-10,) Dee Wampler revealed that he is battling prostate and kidney cancer and has asked for an "indefinite continuance." Wampler is scheduled to undergo surgery on February 17th and says he doesn't know how long his treatment and recuperation will take at this time.

Dee Wampler

Two and a half years ago Carnahan was charged with 1985 murder of Nixa beauty queen Jackie Johns.

Carnahan, 51, was always the chief suspect in Johns' murder but authorities could never connect him the 20 year-old womans abduction, rape and murder until a Highway Patrol trooper working a cold case assignment discovered an alleged DNA link to Carnahan.

Darrell Moore

On February 19th Greene County Prosecutor Darrell Moore, Joe Passanise and Judge Michael Jamison are scheduled to hold a teleconference to discuss other possible trial dates.

Moore says he would like to see the case go to trial by the end of this year, preferably sometime this summer. If the case is not heard by the end of the year that could also further delay proceedings as Moore, who is running for Congress, is not seeking reelection as Greene County prosecutor.

The trial for Carnahan, who has been held without bond since his August 2007 arrest, was scheduled to begin on March 1st in St. Louis County where it was moved on a change of venue.

***Note: Wampler and Passanise have a facebook page