Gerald Carnahan, the Springfield businessman charged with raping and murdering a Nixa beauty queen, will soon find out where he'll stand trial. Greene County Prosecutor Darrell Moore says a change of venue isn't the only big decision he faces in the cold case. Moore says deciding whether to seek the death penalty is the most difficult decision he'll make in this case. He says seeking death for Carnahan takes the case to a whole new level. Moore says he will not only have to prove Carnahan killed Jackie Johns in 1985; they'll have to prove Carnahan deserves to die.

Carnahan is charged with raping and beating Johns to death before dumping her body in Lake Springfield more than two decades ago. Johns' family wants Carnahan put to death. The prosecutor says he'll take their wishes into account but he says it's not the only issue he'll have to consider before making a decision. Moore says, "There are pros and cons for the victim's family. The death penalty prolongs the case and there's no finality because of the federal appeals process."

The defense says if the prosecutor seeks death it's a decision he'll have to live with.
Carnahan's Attorney Dee Wampler says, “I’ve worked several of those cases. Those are the types of cases you lose sleep over and work months, and months and months on. It’s not going to make it easier for either side.

Moore says winning a death penalty has been tough in Greene County and across the country. A Greene County jury hasn't recommended the death penalty for a murderer since 1994.

Moore says he'll likely make his decision by the end of this week.