Two persons charged in a brutal Texas County murder last year are moving closer to trial. Briana Calderas of Cabool appeared in court on Valentine’s Day and was ordered to a pre-trial conference on June 19 in Texas County Circuit Court before Judge John Beger. The trial will occur Oct. 9-12 at the Pulaski County Courthouse in Waynesville.
Another defendant, Andrew Vrba of Houston, will appear April 3 for a trial setting. Jurors will hear the case in Crawford County. A trial setting was delayed because crucial DNA evidence has not been received, according to those familiar with the case.
Each is charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action and abandonment of a corpse of Joseph M. Steinfeld, who went by “Ally” and planned to transition to a female, according to family members. The September crime occurred northeast of Cabool.
Briana Calderas, of Cabool, is charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action and abandonment of a corpse. Her trial was recently delayed until May 2019.
Isis Schauer, 18, of Houston, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and abandonment of a corpse in December. She was sentenced to 20 years on the murder count and four years on the second charge. The terms run concurrently in the Missouri Department of Corrections.
A fourth person, James Grigsby, of Thayer, 25, is accused of abandonment of a corpse and tampering with evidence. His attorney intends to present a defense of not guilty due to mental disease of defect.