Marc and Misty Ray and their attorneys at the change of venue hearing; photo by Bryon Houlgrave
Marc and Misty Ray and their attorneys at the change of venue hearing; photo by Bryon Houlgrave

After more than a year since the death of 16-year-old Sabrina Ray, there appears to be a firm date and location for the trials of her adoptive parents, Marc and Misty Ray, who are being tried for their involvement in the incident.

Last week, the Rays were granted their request for a change of venue, as the attorneys for the defense didn’t feel a fair trial could be had in Dallas County due to the extensive media coverage. While the defense and Judge Terry Rickers both felt Pottawattamie County would be an acceptable location, in the end the State Court Administration elected to send the trials to Woodbury County. Along with the new venue, a date was also set, with the jury trial to commence on February 4, 2019.

Marc and Misty are being charged with 17 and 15 counts, respectively, relating to the May 12, 2017 death of Sabrina. The teen was found dead in the Ray’s home in Perry, having suffered from severe malnutrition. Two people have already been sentenced for their roles in the incident, including Marc and Misty’s son, Justin Ray, and Misty’s mother, Carla Bousman, who are now serving 10 and 20 years in prison, respectively. A fifth defendant, Misty’s niece Josie Bousman, has agreed to testify against the couple, and will be tried following their hearing next year.

Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you more information as it becomes official.