Murder suspect from Palmyra pleads not guilty; asks for change of venue, change of judge

PALMYRA, Mo. — A Palmyra man facing charges of first-degree murder, armed criminal action and unlawful possession of a firearm pled not guilty during his arraignment Wednesday morning in Marion County Circuit Court.

Raymond D. Gum, 34, appeared by video before Judge Rachel Bringer Shepherd. His charges are in connection with the death of Crystal Cooper, 34, outside her home in the 100 block of E. Jefferson in Palmyra. Gum and Cooper reportedly were in a relationship at the time. Cooper was found dead Sept. 3.

Gum was arrested at 12:23 p.m. Sept. 4 in the 300 block of E. Liberty in Petersburg, Ill, about 25 miles northwest of Springfield. He faces life in prison if convicted of first-degree murder.

During his arraignment, Gum also asked for a change of judge and change of venue. Shepherd sent his request to the Missouri Supreme Court.

Gum is being held in the Marion County Jail on a $1 million cash-only bond. He is being represented by public defender Austin J. Smith.