Fayetteville man accused of killing ex-girlfriend has murder trial delayed again

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A Fayetteville man accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend has had his trial delayed again, according to Washington County Prosecutor Matt Durrett.

Kacey Jennings, 31, is charged with capital murder, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence and theft of property, court documents say.

A motion to delay the trial filed by Jennings’ legal counsel on August 15 said they “discovered potential mitigation evidence” from California that needed further investigation.

The filing continues by saying that if that investigation reveals new information, out-of-state may be required to be subpoenaed. That would cause the defense to have to arrange for transportation and testimony at trial.

His trial was set to begin on August 26 but Durrett confirmed that it has been delayed with no new date set as of August 23.

Jennings has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His trial was first set for January 17, 2023, but has been delayed multiple times.

Jennings was arrested in September 2022 after the disappearance of Allison Maria Castro, 28, his ex-girlfriend.

Castro was reported missing on September 19, 2022, after her family was unable to contact her. Fayetteville police spoke with Castro’s family and learned that Jennings and Castro were previously in a relationship and lived together.

Police responded to a residence as Jennings was experiencing an apparent drug overdose that same day.

Investigators then found “more information” that led them to “believe that the suspect in this case had possibly killed his ex-girlfriend,” according to Sgt. Tony Murphy with FPD.

Related video above : Castro’s mom, Michelle Tomas, spoke with Nexstar’s KHON2 in 2022 about Castro as officials searched for her body.

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