Justice for Conrad: Tiffany Hedrick’s Murder Trial Moved to Jefferson County
ST. FRANCOIS COUNTY, Mo. — The upcoming murder trial of Tiffany Hedrick, who is charged in connection with the 2025 death of 3-year-old Conrad Ashcraft at a Park Hills daycare, has been moved from St. Francois County to Jefferson County.
According to a court order signed November 5, 2026, Special Judge Joseph Alfred Rather granted the defense’s request for a change of venue. The trial remains scheduled to begin January 25, 2027.
Judge Finds Prejudice in St. Francois County
Court records show that Hedrick’s attorneys requested the change of venue ahead of the upcoming jury trial.
During a November 5 hearing, the court granted a motion to shorten the time required to bring the venue request before the judge. The change of venue was subsequently approved with the consent of both parties.
In the written order, Judge Rather found that St. Francois County residents were prejudiced against the defendant and that the State had an undue influence over county residents.
The judge further determined that Jefferson County would be a suitable location for the trial, finding that its residents were not prejudiced against either party.
Trial Scheduled for January 25, 2027
The court has ordered 125 prospective jurors to appear in Jefferson County when the trial begins on Monday, January 25, 2027, at 8:30 a.m.
A pretrial conference is scheduled for January 12, 2027, at 1:30 p.m.
Judge Orders Removal of Memorial Items
The November 5 court order also directs that photographs and other items displayed as a memorial to the alleged victim be removed from the grounds of the Jefferson County Courthouse.
The written order does not provide a specific explanation for the removal directive.
Background: The Death of Conrad Ashcraft
Conrad Ashcraft was just 3 years old when he died May 16, 2025, while attending Poppy’s Playhouse 2, a daycare facility in Park Hills.
Following an investigation, a St. Francois County grand jury indicted Hedrick in August 2025 on three felony charges:
- Second-degree murder
- Abuse or neglect of a child resulting in death
- Armed criminal action
The criminal allegations involve the use of a weighted blanket and physical restraint during naptime.
Hedrick has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The case has received widespread attention, with family members and community supporters calling for accountability through the “Justice for Conrad” movement.
Case Moves Forward in Jefferson County
Although the trial will now take place in Jefferson County, the criminal prosecution was already being handled by the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office following the recusal of the St. Francois County Prosecutor’s Office in May 2025.
The November 5 ruling concerns the location of the trial and does not determine the merits of the criminal charges.
Hedrick is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
