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KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- A hearing is delayed for the defendant in the Village 76 murder case in Kirksville.

Paul Potter 49, of Kirksville is charged with first-degree murder, tampering with a motor vehicle, arson, armed criminal action and first-degree burglary.

Potter is accused of killing and dismembering his neighbor.

A hearing scheduled for Friday was delayed when Potter could not attend a proceeding on Thursday, concerning the location of media recording devices that are going to be allowed in the courtroom during the preliminary hearing.

The prosecution also filed a motion for an evaluation of Potter to see if he is competent to stand trial, which was sustained by the judge.

Potter is accused of killing Willis Edward Meredith, 74. Prosecutors say Potter stabbed Meredith, dismembered his body and set fires to conceal the crime. He also allegedly threw the victim's arms at witnesses shortly before he was arrested.

The preliminary hearing for Paul Potter is now scheduled for April 12th.

Associate Circuit Judge Kristie Swaim has also granted a motion by the defense that restricts pre-trial statements to the media by all those involved in the proceedings.

Potter remains behind bars on $1 million cash only bond.

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