New judge assigned in Jefferson City murder case

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

A new judge has been assigned to a Jefferson City murder case.

Judge Brouck Jacobs was assigned to the murder case involving Sergio Sayles on Wednesday after Jon Bettem recused himself on Tuesday. Jacobs is now the third judge who was assigned to the case. Judge Cotton Walker recused himself in November.

Sayles, 36, of Jefferson City, was charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, evidence tampering, second-degree stalking and second-degree harassment in the death of Jasmine King. Cole County’s top prosecutor in April filed an intent to seek the death penalty.

He is being held at the Cole County Jail without bond. Sayles’ next court date has not been set.

Police found King dead from stab wounds to her head, face, neck, torso and back in her home in the 300 block of West Ashley Street in April, according to a probable cause statement. Sayles gave inconsistent stories about where he was and he denied killing King, according to the statement.

Sayles and King have a toddler child together.