An 18-year-old Houston man will appear in court May 2 for a hearing and a trial setting, a Crawford County judge decided last Tuesday.
Andrew J. Vrba, 18, is charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action and abandonment of a corpse in the September death of Joseph M. Steinfeld, who went by “Ally” and planned to transition to a female, according to family members. Authorities allege the victim was stabbed and the remains burned.
Vrba, who appeared in court in Cuba where the case will be held on a change of venue, was represented by Director Michael Barrett of the Missouri State Public Defender system. Texas County Prosecutor Parke Stevens Jr. said he plans to seek the death penalty for Vrba.
Circuit Judge Sidney Pearson III will hear the motions and set the trial date.
Three other persons are charged in the crime:
• Isis Schauer, 18, pleaded guilty in December to second-degree murder and abandonment of a corpse. She was sentenced to 20 years on the murder count and four years on the second charge. The terms will run concurrently.
• Briana Calderas, 24, is charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action and abandonment of a corpse. A pre-trial conference is June 19 in Pulaski County, where her case will be heard. The trial is Oct. 9-12.
• James Grigsby, of Thayer, 25, is accused of abandonment of a corpse and tampering with evidence.