ST. CHARLES, Mo. — The high-profile murder trial of Pam Hupp has been postponed until spring 2027, following complications involving missing evidence and uncooperative witnesses, court officials confirmed.
The decision comes after Alfred Rathert took over the case, replacing Chris McDonough at the request of prosecutors. Despite the judicial change, proceedings will continue in St. Charles County to ensure accessibility for victims and their families.
Key Evidence Still Unaccounted For
During a pretrial hearing, both defense and prosecution addressed lingering concerns about missing evidence—particularly three digital hard drives believed to be linked to Russ Faria.
Faria was previously convicted in 2013 for the murder of his wife, Betsy Faria, before his conviction was overturned in 2015 when new evidence pointed toward Hupp.
Prosecutors indicated that the missing hard drives may have been returned earlier if deemed irrelevant, though their current whereabouts remain uncertain. Officials expect more clarity on the issue by late April.
Witness Delays Add to Setbacks
Another major hurdle involves 25 to 30 pending depositions. Prosecutors initially offered assistance in securing witness testimony but now believe several individuals are actively avoiding participation.
As a result, responsibility for completing those depositions will fall to the defense — a process expected to take additional time and further delay proceedings.
Trial Logistics and Court Decisions
Judge Rathert has not yet ruled on a pending request to move the trial to a different venue, which could involve transporting jurors from another Missouri county.
He did, however, deny Hupp’s request to return to the Chillicothe Correctional Center. Instead, she will remain in custody in Lincoln County and must attend all pretrial hearings in person to prevent further delays.
Courtroom Reactions and Public Attention
The case continues to draw intense public interest. During Thursday’s hearing, Hupp briefly spoke in court — a rare occurrence noted by Russ Faria.
“She doesn’t say much, and that’s probably smart,” Faria said outside the courthouse.
Observers also noted the unusual attention Hupp receives in prison due to her notoriety, with former inmates claiming she was recognized and even admired by others.
Next Steps in the Case
With unresolved evidence questions and witness complications still pending, the trial is now scheduled for spring 2027 — significantly later than the originally planned August 2026 date.
Legal teams are expected to continue addressing pretrial motions in the coming months as the case moves forward.