Skip to Content
Elledge case

Hearing scheduled for man accused of murdering missing Columbia mother

Joseph Elledge child abuse hearing
From KRCG pool video
Joseph Elledge sits in a Boone County courtroom Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020. Elledge was in court for a hearing in a child abuse case. He is also charged with murder in his wife's disappearance.
By
Published 4:50 AM

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Joseph Elledge, who was charged with murdering his wife Mengqi Ji in February, has court hearings scheduled Friday.

Elledge's hearings are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. in both his first degree murder and child abuse cases.

Elledge was arrested on child abuse charges on Oct. 26 of 2019, and was formally charged three days later.

Elledge was then charged with murdering Mengqi Ji earlier this year, on Feb. 19.

Court documents in the case indicated that Elledge may have strangled his wife before dumping her body in a remote location.

Police announced Wednesday that they would continue to search the Lamine River in Cooper County for Ji's body.

That search was originally called off in June.

Elledge has maintained his innocence throughout, pleading not guilty to all charges. Elledge's attorney said that his client is looking forward to clearing his name in trial.

Article Topic Follows: Elledge case

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

Ben Fein

Ben Fein is a multimedia journalist for ABC 17 News. You can usually see his reports on weekend mornings or weekdays at 5, 6 and 6:30 p.m. on KMIZ.

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

ABC 17 News is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content