Jake Gastler, the man who is accused of beating his neighbor to death and sending his neighbor's father to the hospital, will have is trial in Callaway County, with a Callaway jury - even though he first requested a change in venue for his trial. Gastler, an Auxvasse-area man, withdrew his request for a change of venue on Monday, Aug. 4.
The court automatically grants a change of venue to those in counties with a population less than 75,000 - like Callaway County. Gastler's public defender Justin Carver said he could not comment on the defense's reasons for withdrawing the change of venue request.
Gastler allegedly attacked his two nieghbors - a father and son - in August 2013, leaving the son dead and father injured. The incident occured outside of Auxvasse. At the time, Gastler called police to report finding his neighbors on the ground and covered in blood, according to a press release at the time. Gastler was then taken into custody and accused of beating his neighbors. He faces charges of second-degree murder and first-degree assault.
Division II Judge Gary Oxenhandler was assigned to the case in early July after both the Callaway County prosecuting attoroney and defense attorney requested a change of judge. This was the second change of judge request for Gastler's case.
According to Case.net - Missouri's online court records database - Gastler's case was first set to be heard by Callaway Circuit Judge Jodie Asel, who granted the change of judge in May. Then the case went to Judge Christine Carpenter. Callaway County Prosecuting Attorney Chris Wilson told the Fulton Sun in June that while he could not speak for the defense, his office requested a change of judge because he wanted someone with more expereince. He said it was nothing personal.
Also on Monday, Aug. 4, both parties submitted proposed scheduling orders to Judge Gary Oxenhandler. After the judge looks at the proposed court dates, he will set a date for Gastler's trial.
Megan Favignano can be reached at (573) 826 2417 or [email protected].