Moberly first-degree murder case moves forward after preliminary hearing
HUNSTVILLE, Mo. (KMIZ)
The trial of a Moberly man charged with murder will proceed, a judge ruled Thursday.
Christopher Viley, 51, appeared Thursday before Judge Garreth Cooksey for his preliminary hearing at the Randolph County Courthouse. Cooksey ruled that there's enough probable cause to move forward with the case, moving it up to circuit court.
Viley was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in late August in connection with the Aug. 23 shooting of Cheryl Gravitt, 57, of Moberly
Gravitt was found dead in her driveway with a gunshot wound to the back of her head outside her home in the 500 block of Morehead Street, court documents in previous reporting say. She was taken to the hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Six witnesses spoke at the hearing, including Moberly police officers, detectives, and a woman who was Viley's girlfriend at the time of the shooting.
Brenda Porter, with a child advocacy center, testified that she interviewed a child who witnessed Viley at the scene of the crime. In the interview, the child also said she heard a firecracker-like sound and saw Gravitt fall to the ground.
Viley was seen on video surveillance walking towards the crime scene before what is presumed to be a gunshot was fired and seen walking away from the scene after, according to a probable cause statement. Viley was wearing clothes that fit the child witness's description, investigators allege.
When a Moberly police detective interviewed Viley, he claimed to not be in the area when the incident occurred.
Viley's arraignment is set for 9 a.m. Oct. 28 at the Randolph County Courthouse.
Court documents say Viley was arrested for fourth-degree domestic assault in February, which is pending a court appearance. Other past convictions include felony resisting/interfering with an arrest, first-degree assault and third-degree assault.
Viley is being held at the Randolph County Jail without bond.
Gravitt's friends and family were in attendance Thursday morning, wearing shirts in remembrance of her.
Friends and family told ABC 17 News they are grateful for the case going to trial, adding that they are still grieving and looking for justice.
