A Jefferson City man charged in the fatal stabbing of 22-year-old Jasmine King is seeking a change in venue, judge and attorney in the case.
Sergio Sayles was charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, tampering with physical evidence and first-degree harassment in April.
He filed a motion Nov. 6 to change the judge and venue of the case, seeking to move the case to Jackson County or St. Louis County or St. Louis city. The filing alleged prejudice by the jury.
“In most cases where the defendant is alleging the jury is prejudiced against him, the defendant is arguing that the publicity of the case is so great that the people of the county cannot be fair and impartial, and the defendant cannot receive a fair trial,” it read.
The motion also notes the state is seeking the death penalty and Sayles thought the racial makeup of the community might work against him.
“A change of venue is necessary to ensure that there is diversity on the jury, particularly with regards to black jurors,” the motion read. “Not only will this ensure that racism plays no part in any sentence imposed on Sergio, but also will ensure that Sergio receives individualized sentencing and a sentence that is reliable.”
“The State of Missouri denies that the State holds undue influence over the inhabitants of Cole County,” the state’s response read. “The State of Missouri denies that the inhabitants of Cole County are prejudiced against the defendant.”
Sayles also sought a new attorney, citing conflict of interest and ineffective counsel in his motion.
Following a hearing Wednesday, Judge Daniel Green sustained the request for a new judge, leaving it to Circuit Judge Jon Beetem to take the case.
A plea/sentencing hearing is currently scheduled for Jan. 10.
A Jefferson City Police Department probable cause statement said King was found deceased and covered in blood by concerned family members who had not heard from her. Family members mentioned Sayles as a person of interest, and that they shared a child and had been romantically linked.
Family members said they had last spoken to King the day before and she had expressed concerns he would be mad about not being able to see their child, who was at another location. King had previously reported Sayles for stalking in 2021, saying he threatened to shoot and kill her. King’s family also reported he had begun carrying a large knife at his side.
King was located in her bedroom, covered in blood from stab wounds all over her body. The scene reportedly showed evidence of a struggle and blood splatter that showed a lengthy altercation.
Sayles was located in McClung Park, where he reportedly entered the indoor restroom facility for half an hour before returning to his vehicle. He was contacted by police and taken in for an interview.
Officers reportedly searched the park and located clothing soiled with blood in a bag, as well as a large knife concealed in a sheet. The knife was covered entirely in blood, according to the statement.
The clothing was personalized with the name Sayles allegedly used for his hip-hop career. A piece of mailing was also reportedly found in the bag that contained his phone number.
In addition to videos and emails, a search of his phone uncovered a call with King shortly before her death.
A search of his car reportedly uncovered more clothing with the stage name printed on it, a printing press used to personalize clothing, and a journal allegedly describing his anger toward King.
Sayles denied going to King’s residence on the day of her death, though he said he couldn’t recall his exact route through town. He said he called and hung up on King that morning, angry their child was not around to visit. He said his DNA shouldn’t be near the crime scene and that he was being set up.
