Photo: Rebecca Ruud
An Ozark County woman accused of murdering her daughter and burning her remains has waived her right to a jury trial.
KYTV/KSPR Springfield reports Rebecca Ruud made the request Wednesday in a Greene County courtroom.
Ruud is charged in the death of Savannah Leckie.
The 16-year-old disappeared in Ozark County in July 2017. Ruud told everyone she thought her daughter ran away. Volunteers in the Theodosia area spent days searching for the teenager. About two weeks later, investigators found human remains, consisting of bones and teeth in a burn pile on the property of Ruud.
Ruud’s next court appearance is set for Jan. 13. The bench trial is set to begin Jan. 27. Ruud’s case was transferred to Greene County on a change of venue request.
Ruud’s husband, Robert Peat Jr, whom she married the day Savannah’s remains were found, is also charged in her death. Peat is out of jail on his own recognizance.
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