Trial set for man charged in 2014 Monroe County murder

A Mid-Missouri man charged in a 2014 murder is set to go to trial in October.

On Wednesday, Jason Lage pleaded not guilty in Monroe County court. He also asked for a change of venue.

ABC 17 News first reported on Lage back in 2014, when he and Jessica Munoz were arrested during the death investigation of Zachary Dawson. Dawson was found dead from a gunshot wound in a Madison home February 19, 2014.

Lage was initially charged shortly after with tampering with physical evidence in a felony prosecution and Munoz was arrested for hindering prosecution of a felony.

It took nine months before they were charged with murder.

In July 2016, Munoz was sentenced to seven years in prison for first degree involuntary manslaughter and hindering prosecution of a felony.

Lage is expected to head to trial the week of October 23, 2017. If a change of venue is approved, the date could change.