Retiring judge steps away from double-murder case
Greene County Circuit Judge Dan Conklin is stepping away from a double-murder case that shows no signs of wrapping up before he retires.
Conklin, who will retire on July 10, recused himself on Friday from the Mark Porter murder case. Porter is accused of killing Gary and Jan Tyrrell in their Springfield home this summer.
Porter's attorney Dee Wampler may be the next person to drop out of the case.
Wampler filed a motion earlier this month to withdraw as counsel for Porter, saying he "has not been paid or employed for further representation" of Porter, though Wampler has agreed to represent Porter for at least one more pre-trial hearing.
Wampler declined to comment on the specifics of his motion to withdraw.
A new judge has not yet been assigned to the case, but Wampler said he expects the case to go to a judge outside of Greene County and possibly outside of southwest Missouri.
Wampler said he has no prediction for when Porter's case may go to trial.
Porter faces two counts of first-degree murder, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The Tyrrells' bodies were discovered in their Greenbrier Avenue home on May 1.
Documents show Porter and Gary Tyrrell were believed by many to be "best friends." They had been longtime professional associates, with Tyrrell working for Porter when he was a school superintendent in Mountain Grove.
Police detectives have said Porter had "gambling issues" and had asked his longtime friend and co-worker Gary Tyrrell for a $250,000 loan shortly before the Tyrrells were found dead. Gary Tyrrell traded in valuable coins and had many high-end items in the home, according to police.
Wampler, in attempts to to allow a bond for Porter, has often argued on behalf of his client's character — saying Porter is a well-educated, religious, family man with no criminal record. He submitted a binder of about 40 letters vouching for Porter. Many of those came from officials at the Assemblies of God.
Timeline of the case
January 2014: Mark Porter requested a $250,000 loan from Gary Tyrrell but was rebuffed, police say.
April 30: Police believe this is the day Gary and Jan Tyrrell were killed in their home.
May 1: The Tyrrells' bodies are found in their home. Police say Gary was shot twice and hit over the head, and that Jan was bludgeoned to death.
May 2: Porter sold $18,531 in silver coins to R&K Coins, police say.
Later in May: Police interview Porter after they learn he was close with the Tyrrells. Porter says he was at the house a few days before the bodies were found but denies a police request for DNA.
For several weeks after: Police follow Porter from time to time, in an attempt to get DNA discreetly. An officer ultimately finds a coffee cup Porter had left behind at a "quick lube" business.
Aug. 15: Prosecutors charge Porter with two counts of murder and police arrest him.
Sept. 22: R&K Coins files a lien on coins sold by Porter and seized by police as evidence.
Oct. 22: Porter's case is moved to trial court and he is ordered to be held in jail without bond.
Dec. 19: The trial court also denies bail for Porter.
April 24: Judge Dan Conklin recuses himself from the case.