(AP) – A man accused of killing a Missouri State University
professor emeritus and stabbing the victim’s wife has been ordered to stand
trial after pleading not guilty to an upgraded murder charge.
Forty-three-year-old Edward Gutting waived his right to a preliminary hearing
Wednesday after Greene County prosecutors replaced a second-degree murder count
with a first-degree murder charge. He’s also charged with armed criminal action,
assault and burglary.
Authorities say Gutting was a suspended Missouri State instructor when he
rushed into Marc Cooper’s home and fatally stabbed him Aug. 17. Gutting also is
accused of stabbing Cooper’s wife, who escaped and called police.
Investigators haven’t disclosed a possible motive for the attack.
Gutting’s attorneys told reporters after Wednesday’s court appearance that
Gutting’s mental health will be a factor in the case.
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