Several issues were addressed Wednesday morning in the hearing related to the trials of Marc and Misty Ray of Perry, in addition to the change of venue request that was approved.

First off, the attorneys for the defense requested the release of adoption records for the four children under the Rays’ care, including Sabrina. The prosecution found no issue with the request, so Judge Terry Rickers gave his approval. Things got more contentious after that, however, as the defense requested the judge sever counts 15 through 17 for both Marc and Misty, which related to financial charges levied around a year after the original charges. The newest charges included: ongoing criminal conduct – unlawful activity, a class B felony; first degree theft, a class C felony; and first degree fraudulent practice, a class C felony. The defense argued that the charges didn’t relate to the case in question and should be tried at a later date. The prosecution countered by saying the financial charges establish motive for the original charges and should be tried together.

The defense also requested the dismissal of count 12, which was a charge of first degree murder against both. They felt it was added too late after the initial arrest was made, and was also improperly implied as a charge when the suspects were questioned. The prosecution then argued the State had brought the murder charge forward appropriately, and that it came about through additional investigation. The Judge didn’t make a decision at the hearing for the requests related to the charges, but promised to do so in the coming weeks. The change of venue request was the last item considered, which Rickers approved after agreeing with the defense’s claim that the case is too well-known in central Iowa for the jury to remain impartial. Both the defense and Judge felt moving the trial to Pottawattamie County would make the most sense, but that won’t be decided until there is an official trial date set.

Marc and Misty Ray are being tried for their involvement in the death of their 16-year-old adopted daughter Sabrina Ray on May 12, 2017. Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you more information as it becomes official.