Jury trial scheduled for one murder case; second murder case continued

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- The case against the man charged in the August killing of Francisco Mendez appears to be heading for a jury trial.

A trial date was set for Thursday, Sept. 14 at 9 a.m. inside the New Madrid County Courthouse.

Josue Rivera is charged with first degree murder and armed criminal action following the Aug. 21 shooting at the 300 block of Miss Clara Drive in Kennett. Police found Mendez suffering from a gunshot wound when they arrived on the scene. Mendez was rushed to Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center, where he later died.

William Carter

William Carter

After an investigation in Kennett, police say officers identified Rivera as the suspect. He was found later found by police in Memphis before being transported back to Dunklin County. His case was moved to New Madrid County after he was granted a request for a change of venue.

Case continued

The court case against the man charged with murdering two people on Riggs Street in Kennett has been continued.

William Joshua Carter faces two counts of first degree murder after he allegedly rammed an SUV into another vehicle behind the building that housed Manac Trailers on June 17. He reportedly left the scene before returning and ramming the vehicle a second time. Aaron Campbell died at the scene, and Heather Carter died at a Memphis hospital later that day.

William Carter pleaded not guilty to the charges in December. He appeared Tuesday morning before 34th Circuit Court Judge Fred Copeland at the New Madrid County Courthouse. Following a brief hearing, his next appearance was scheduled for June 13.