Palmyra man facing first-degree murder charges makes first appearance in court

PALMYRA, Mo. — A Palmyra man held in the Marion County Jail on a $1 million cash-only bond is set to return to Marion County Circuit Court at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday for a bond hearing.

Raymond D. Gum, 34, made his first appearance Thursday in Marion County Circuit Court. He faces charges of first-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with last week’s 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.

Gum faces life in prison if he is convicted of first-degree murder. He is scheduled to appear Tuesday before Judge John J. Jackson.

Gum was arrested at 12:23 p.m. Saturday in the 300 block of E. Liberty in Petersburg, about 25 miles northwest of Springfield, Ill. Gum was armed. Ben Hollis, chief deputy with the Menard County Sheriff’s Department, said gun-related charges are being processed by the Menard County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Gum’s vehicle was found in a remote location near Petersburg on Friday night. The Menard County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Gum was in Menard County on Friday morning and stayed there until his arrest. Gum was transported back to Marion County Thursday.