Defense attorneys, prosecutors and the judge agreed months ago that the trial should be moved because of extensive news coverage of the disappearance of the 9-year-old girl, discovery of her body, and the murder and rape charges against Spears and his friend, Chris Collings.

Pulaski County is in the KY3 viewing area, however. Potential jurors there could have seen as much news coverage of the case as those in other parts of the viewing area, which extends roughly from Neosho in the west to Rolla in the east and from Camdenton in the north to Mountain Home, Ark., in the south.

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

"I believe the exposure has been greater in the most immediate area down here in southwest Missouri,” said Cox. "I really can't comment on what the folks of Pulaski County do or don't know about the case, but I'm certain that during the process we can find a fair and impartial jury that can hear this case in Pulaski County."

Spears was not in the courtroom on Tuesday. His two state public defenders, both from the St. Louis office, scurried out of the courtroom after the hearing on Tuesday and would not speak to a reporter.

Cox said Pulaski County has handled several death penalty cases, including some from other counties, and has the facilities and accommodations to handle such trials.

Spears and Collings could face death penalties if they’re convicted. Collings’ attorneys are scheduled to be in court on Aug. 19, possibly to decide a place for his trial, which will be separate from Spears’ trial.