CASSVILLE, Mo. (AP) - A southwest Missouri man accused in the rape-murder of his 9-year-old stepdaughter last year will be tried in Pulaski County.

David Spears and his friend Chris Collings are charged in the November death of Rowan Ford of Stella. Her body was found 10 miles away from her Newton County home. Collings' attorneys are scheduled to be in court on August 19th, possibly to decide a place for his trial.

The two men are being tried separately.

Barry County Prosecuting Attorney Johnnie Cox says he believes Spears can get a fair trial in Waynesville, about 150 miles from Cassville. He said defense attorneys also agreed Pulaski County is far enough away from Barry County.

Both men have pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, forcible rape and statutory rape. They face the death penalty if convicted.