An Exeter man accused of murdering a woman and abandoning her corpse will stand trial in Jasper County next year.

Aaron Malone, 24, of Exeter, is charged with first-degree murder, abandonment of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence and armed criminal action.

The case received a change in venue in April to Jasper County. On Sept. 4, it was scheduled for a jury trial on April 14, 2026, beginning at 9 a.m. in Jasper County, Judge David Cole presiding.

Danny Boyd, Barry County sheriff, said on Dec. 2, 2024, deputies were dispatched to a residence located in Exeter in reference to a possible abduction. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with Malone, who reported Aspen Lewis, 24, was missing.

“Malone provided deputies with a verbal and written statement of Lewis being possibly abducted,” Boyd said in a press release. “A criminal investigation began into the disappearance of Aspen Lewis. Inconsistencies were located in Aaron’s statement.”

According to a probable cause statement file by Det. Abby Parsons, physical evidence allegedly pointing to Malone included a blood stain on the roadway behind Malone’s truck, blood stains on his truck and disturbed parts of the gravel driveway where jewelry pieces were located on the ground.

Surveillance video also allegedly showed Malone’s truck arriving at the residence at 11:35 p.m. Sunday. Shortly after, Parsons’ report said, screaming can be heard, and Malone left the residence at about 1:35 a.m. on Dec. 2, 2024, returning at about 4:10 a.m.

Malone made a 9-1-1 call before returning to the residence, Parsons reported.

On Dec. 3, 2024, Boyd and Maj. Angela Cole met with Malone and advised him they wanted to locate the victim, Boyd’s release said. Malone allegedly took authorities to where Lewis was located, deceased in a wooded area near Shell Knob, covered with leaves and sticks.

Parsons’ report said Lewis had suffered extensive head trauma, and the remains of a burnt pink wool article of clothing, appearing to be a shirt, was also located in the roadway.

“Malone admitted to an altercation taking place and disposing of the body,” Boyd said.

In Parsons’ report, the box where the officer would indicate if a person exhibited signs of being under the influence remained unchecked.

Missouri State Highway Patrol assisted the Barry County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation.