UNION, Mo. -- The murder trial of Ryan Harkey, who stands charged with fatally stabbing a man in downtown Cape Girardeau, has been pushed back to December because of a scheduling conflict with the judge.

Judge Gael Wood set the new four-day trial to begin Dec. 4, with a pretrial conference Nov. 20, according to the Franklin County circuit clerk's office. Harkey is being tried in Union on a change of venue. Harkey is charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the stabbing of Jerry "Buddy" Conrad last December. Harkey has pleaded not guilty, claiming that his actions that led to Conrad's death were made in self-defense.

The trial was originally to be held this month.

Witnesses have described the events leading up to the stabbing as a bar fight that eventually led outside. Harkey had been free on bond since four days after the stabbing but was taken back into custody after testing positive for drugs. The prosecutor and Harkey's defense attorney said that won't be a factor at trial.

Pertinent address:

401 E. Main St., Union, MO