Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem will be asked Thursday morning to certify a 16-year-old as an adult, so he can face second-degree murder charges in the April 21 death of Jerry Robertson, 63.
The teen has not been named because he is a juvenile.
However, unlike most juvenile hearings, a Missouri Supreme Court ruling several years ago in a St. Louis case makes the certification hearing open to the public.
However, Beetem said, it's still a hearing of the juvenile court - and those hearings are never open to cameras or recorders.
Beetem said Friday unless there are last-minute complications, the hearing will begin at 9 a.m. Thursday in the main courtroom on the third floor of the Cole County Courthouse.
He also said people will not be prohibited from bringing their cellphones into the courthouse - but those devices may not be used to take pictures or record the proceedings.
A notice posted by the entry door to the courthouse reads: "Live broadcasting, as well as any audio and/or video recording of court proceedings, is prohibited unless done in accordance with Supreme Court Operating Rule 16."
That rule - also known as the "Cameras in the Courtroom" rule - allows members of the news media to take pictures and audio recordings of court proceedings but only with the prior approval of the judge. It does not allow the general public to make those recordings.
The Cole County notice said the prohibition against audio and/or video recording of court proceedings includes cellphones, tablets, laptops and other electronic devices. "Violation of this rule may result in confiscation of such equipment and/or contempt of court."
Jefferson City police reported May 26 their investigation into Robertson's death led them to detain the 16-year-old male at the Prenger Family Center.
Police have not released details of how they determined the teen might have been involved in Robertson's death.
Police said in April that Robertson died from what appeared to be blunt-force trauma, suffered April 21 during an 11 p.m. assault in the 1400 block of East Miller Street.
If the teen is certified as an adult, Cole County prosecutors would decide what charges to lodge against him in adult court.
The May 26 police news release said officers want prosecutors to file second-degree murder and armed criminal action charges.
If the hearing does not result in the teen's certification to be tried as an adult, then the juvenile court will handle the case, and the future proceedings again will be closed to the public.