Judge schedules trial for 2026 in Larry Acree case

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (KCTV) - A Jackson County judge scheduled a trial for more than two years after a shooting in Independence killed a police officer and county process server.

In May, Jackson County prosecutors said they’ll pursue the death penalty against Larry Acree, the man accused of killing Independence Police Department officer Cody Allen and Jackson County process server Drexel Mack on Feb. 29, 2024.

On Tuesday, a Jackson County judge scheduled a trial to turn from July 6 to Aug. 10, 2026. The judge declined to stay the proceedings while Acree addresses his medical issues.

READ MORE: Former prosecutor breaks down county’s decision to pursue death penalty against Larry Acree

The 70-year-old Acree now faces 18 felony charges for fatal and non-fatal shootings.

Acree was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of first-degree assault, as well as three additional counts of armed criminal action on March 1. On March 29, additional charges have Acree facing two first-degree murder charges, seven first-degree assault charges and nine armed criminal action charges.

Court records say that Mack and Allen went to a residence on North Elsea Smith Road in Independence on Feb. 29 to evict any person on the property. After Mack knocked on the door and announced his presence, he was shot and fell to the floor inside the front entrance.

When officers responded, Ofc. Cody Allen was shot and killed and a second officer was wounded. Officers returned fire and took Acree into custody.

Copyright 2024 KCTV. All rights reserved.