Earl Yenter Arson Case Moves Toward Jury Trial Following October 19 Court Hearing

LACLEDE COUNTY, Mo. – The criminal case against Earl Richard Yenter, who is accused of setting fire to a Lebanon-area residence while another man was sleeping inside, is moving toward a jury trial following proceedings in Laclede County Circuit Court on Monday, October 19, 2026.

Yenter faces a charge of first-degree arson, a Class B felony, stemming from an August 17, 2026, incident at a residence on Hillsdale Road.

According to previously filed court documents, investigators allege that Yenter intentionally set fire to the residence while David Yenter was sleeping inside. Investigators reported finding evidence of acetone and a burn trail at the property. Court documents also describe statements allegedly made by Earl Yenter concerning the fire.

The allegations have not been proven in court.

October 19 Court Proceedings

According to Missouri Case.net records, Yenter appeared in custody for a hearing on October 19 before Judge Aaron Gabrial Koeppe. He was represented by attorney Stacy Leigh Patterson, while prosecutor Amy Michelle Folsom appeared on behalf of the State of Missouri.

During the proceedings, the court scheduled a review of the plea and trial setting for December 21, 2026, at 9 a.m.

Court records also show that Yenter waived formal arraignment and entered a plea of not guilty to all pending charges.

The waiver document, dated October 19, states that Yenter waived his right to have the charges and potential punishment formally read to him in court. It also acknowledges that his attorney will advise him of future court dates and that failure to appear could result in forfeiture of any posted bond and the issuance of a warrant.

Case Ordered for Jury Trial

Also filed October 19 was a Criminal Jury Trial Case Management Order, formally placing the case on the path toward a jury trial.

The order establishes deadlines for attorneys representing both sides, including the exchange of evidence, the filing of motions and the identification of expert witnesses.

A pretrial conference is expected to be scheduled approximately 60 to 90 days before trial. During that conference, attorneys will address the status of evidence, potential motions and the anticipated length of the trial.

The order also requires that witness depositions, including those involving expert witnesses, be completed no later than 60 days before trial.

Although the case has been ordered set for a jury trial, the documents provided do not establish a specific trial date.

Attorneys Exchange Discovery Requests

Court records show that both the prosecution and defense have begun the process of requesting and exchanging information related to the case.

On October 1, prosecutor Amy Michelle Folsom filed a request for the production of documents.

On October 13, defense attorney Stacy Leigh Patterson filed a circuit request for discovery and a response to the state’s request for disclosure.

Discovery is a standard part of criminal proceedings that allows both sides to obtain and review evidence and information relevant to the charges.

These filings do not establish what evidence will ultimately be presented during trial.

What Happens Next?

The next scheduled court proceeding is December 21, 2026, at 9 a.m., before Judge Aaron Gabrial Koeppe in Laclede County.

At that time, the court is scheduled to review the status of the case, including the plea and trial setting.

Yenter was previously ordered held without bond, and the October 19 court record confirms that he appeared in custody for the hearing.

The case remains pending in Laclede County Circuit Court under case number 26LA-CR00786-01.

Yenter is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Lebanon Now will continue following the case and provide updates as additional court proceedings take place.