New Judge Named in Hailey Owens Case

A new judge has been named to hear the trial of a man suspected of kidnapping and killing a 10-year-old Springfield girl.

Craig Wood is charged with kidnapping, rape and first-degree murder in the February 2014 death of Hailey Owens. Prosecutors say he grabbed her off the street as she walked home, sexually assaulted her and shot her in the head. Her body was found in Wood's home.

The 47-year-old defendant is scheduled to stand trial in Springfield in front of a Platte County jury.

The Springfield News-Leader reports that retiring judge Dan Conklin recused himself from the case this week, and the case has been assigned to Judge David Jones.

Prosecutors say they'll seek the death penalty if Wood is convicted. A trial date hasn't been set yet.