New judge assigned to murder trial of Jonesboro woman charged in plot to kill husband

JONESBORO, Arkansas — A new judge has been assigned to the murder trial of a Jonesboro woman charged in a plot to kill her husband.

Prosecutor Scott Ellington told The Jonesboro Sun (http://bit.ly/15zMrge ) that Circuit Judge Victor Hill will replace Judge Lee Fergus for the trial of 34-year-old Michelle Despain. A reason for the change was not given.

Despain allegedly hired a man to kill her husband — Marc Despain — who was shot to death in the couple's home in August 2011. Three others charged in the case include Michelle Despain's father — Carl Kelley. The three have each pleaded guilty and been sentenced to prison.

An attorney for Michelle Despain did not immediately return an after-hours phone call seeking comment.

Ellington says the change in judges means Despain's scheduled June 17 trial will be postponed.

Information from: The Jonesboro Sun, http://www.jonesborosun.com

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