Ruud's murder case transferred to Taney County


Rebecca Ruud

Thirty seventh Judicial Circuit Judge David Evans filed an order today transferring the murder trial of 39-year-old Theodosia resident Rebecca Ruud from Ozark County to Taney County. The transfer was made on Ruud's behalf by defense attorney Lauren Kate Welborn. Online records indicate that the prosecution and the defense both agree to hear pre-trial motions and hearings in Ozark County; however, the court noted that the request will be up to the trial judge assigned in the case. Welborn also indicated that Ruud is requesting a hearing on her motion for a pretrial release from custody. 

Ruud and husband Robert Peat Jr. are both charged with murdering Ruud's 16-year-old biological daughter, Savannah Leckie. Ruud reported Leckie missing from her Theodosia-area farm July 20. Investigators found Leckie's burned remains on the farm Aug. 4. Peat's attorney, James Robert Hayes, has also filed a change of judge in his case. He is scheduled to appear before Circuit Judge Craig Carter Nov. 8. 

Ozark County Times

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