Defense, prosecution argue motions in Plunkett murder case

Trial set to start on Jan. 3, 2013

Sandra Plunkett, 39, of Holts Summit, accused of killing her husband almost two years ago, appeared in Callaway County Circuit Court Monday to hear her court-appointed lawyer argue preliminary motions to suppress evidence relating to investigative subpoenas requested by Prosecuting Attorney Chris Wilson.

Plunkett is charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of her husband, Paul Wade Plunkett, 52, at their home in Holts Summit on New Year's Day in 2011. Plunkett was a former Jefferson City police officer who operated a pest control business after retirement from the Police Department.

Public Defender Justin Carver filed motions to suppress evidence gained through investigative subpoenas sought by Wilson.

Callaway County Circuit Court Judge Gary M. Oxenhandler took under advisement the motions argued Monday but promised to rule promptly because Plunkett's first-degree trial is scheduled to start next month.

Carver objected to four investigative subpoenas Wilson received, contending the defense should have received notice of the subpoenas when they were requested. The subpoenas related to the bank records of Paul Plunkett, his retirement benefits and his insurance benefits.

Involved were Hawthorn Bank, Jefferson Bank, Local Government Retirement System (LAGERS), and United Health Insurance Co.

Testifying in behalf of the prosecution Monday was Rick D. Herndon, a Missouri State Highway Patrol criminal investigator, and Detective Mark Edwards of the Jefferson City Police Department.

Herndon testified he requested the subpoenas relating to Hawthorn Bank, where the victim had his checking account, and Jefferson Bank, where he had his pest control business account.

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.