The man serving life sentences for killing six people in Illinois is trying to change the location of his upcoming Missouri murder trial.
Nicholas Sheley says he cannot get a fair trial in Jefferson County, south of St. Louis.
Prosecutors there intend to seek the death penalty if he’s convicted for both murders.
Sheley was charged with killing a married couple from Arkansas visiting the St. Louis area in 2008. Sheley was scheduled to make his first Missouri court appearance earlier this week, but it was postponed after the judge stepped down at Sheley’s request.
Court records don't indicate why Circuit Judge Mark Stoll withdrew, but under Missouri law, Sheley didn't have to explain why he asked.
Sheley was found guilty a few years ago for killing six people in Illinois during a spree starting in Sterling.
