Trial delayed in elderly woman’s machete death

Jeffrey Nichols is one of two suspects charged in a 2013 Easter Sunday crime spree that left a 92-year-old woman dead. On Thursday Nichols’ upcoming trial date on May 11 was delayed, pending an appeal.

Officials claim Nichols and another man, Christopher Lewis, killed Carmalita Kaser using a machete-like knife they stole from Moberly’s Wal-Mart Supercenter.

Investigators believe they stole at least four vehicles during the crime spree and also shot two men.

Prosecutors want the death penalty for both men.

Nichols’ case has been moved to Hannibal on a change of venue. Lewis’ trial is currently set to begin in Boone County August 23, also on a change of venue. In his case, the jury will be selected in northwest Missouri’s Buchanan County and then transported to Columbia.