A Houston man was in Crawford County Circuit Court on Monday for a motion hearing in a death penalty case that accuses him of killing a teen northeast of Cabool.
Andrew J. Vrba is charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action and abandonment of a corpse in the September 2017 death of Joseph M. Steinfield, 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, 19, appeared before Circuit Judge Sidney T. Pearson III. He is held without bond.
Vrba’s case was transferred to Steelville on a change of venue from Texas County. Two persons were earlier sent to prison. A fourth defendant, Briana Calderas, 25, of Cabool, also is charged in the crime.