Crime

New trial date set for 2026 in case of man accused of killing Russellville classmate in 1991

File photos of Niemet — Russellville School District and Cole County Sheriff's Office

By Ryan Shiner

Published April 21, 2025 4:49 PM

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A new trial date has been set for a man accused of killing his classmate in 1991.

William “Chris” Niemet, of Fulton, is accused of killing his classmate, Greg Jones, in April 1991 in Russellville. Jones was 14. Niemet also would have been 14 at the time. Niemet was charged in 2020 with first-degree murder.

Court filings indicate that a jury trial is now expected to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, at the Cole County Circuit Court. A pretrial conference is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, 2026.

The trial has been delayed multiple times.