[Richard]

Update.

Richard

Trials Set For Men Charged In Death Of Clanton
Daily Journal (MO), 5 Aug 2010

The two men charged in connection with the murder of former Green Beret Donis “Ike” Clanton will have their trials held in St. Francois County.

Trevor K. Grice, 20, of Marquand, and Jason Allen Parrent, 27, of Farmington, are charged in St. Francois County with second-degree murder, second-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child.

On Wednesday, Circuit Court Judge Kenneth W. Pratte denied both men’s request for a change of venue.

Grice’s public defender, Matt Shellenbergar, asked Judge Pratte to grant a change of venue to another county or at least bring in a jury from another county.

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Pat King said the defense hasn’t shown a cause to change the venue.

After denying the request, Grice’s case was then scheduled for Sept. 17 for other pre-trial motions.

The judge denied Public Defender Ben Campbell’s request for a change of venue and a bond reduction on behalf of Parrent. Bond is set at $250,000 for each.

Clanton’s relative told the judge she feels Parrent is a threat to her family and the community. She said reducing his bond “could be a fatal mistake.”

After denying both requests, Parrent’s case was then scheduled for trial setting on Sept. 1.

Clanton, 44, was found dead at his Farmington home on May 6. According to court records, an autopsy determined Clanton died of closed head trauma/blunt force trauma consisting of two blows to the left ear and at least four other blows to the head.

Parrent initially told police that he came to Clanton’s home the morning of May 6 to do yard work. He said through the door, he could see Clanton on the floor. He said he called 911 from his sister’s house and then started performing CPR.

While being questioned at the police department, he added that he, Grice and a juvenile were at Clanton’s house the night before where he said they consumed alcohol.

Parrent then confessed to hitting Clanton. He said during an argument, Clanton punched him on the left side of the face. He said it didn’t hurt, but he stood up and punched Clanton four to five times.

He said they reconciled and about 10 minutes later and Clanton passed out.

However, Grice said Clanton immediately became unconscious and never regained consciousness. Grice admitted he struck Clanton while Clanton was unconscious.

The juvenile said after Parrent assaulted Clanton, Parrent directed him to dispose of the evidence.

Grice told police he wiped down bottles, soda cans, and glasses to get rid of fingerprints. He said he and the juvenile stole a cell phone, a military coin, DVD player, silver utensils, and headphones.

Clanton was a former Green Beret who served his country for 13 years including during Operation Desert Storm. He was highly decorated and honorably discharged.

He became disabled about eight years before his death, suffering brain damage after a 14-foot fall.
http://www.dailyjournalonline.com/ne...cc4c03286.html