West Plains, MO. – The two men accused of killing a Birch Tree, Missouri woman in 2019 have had their trial dates modified.
Joseph Proffer and Stanley Kenaga, Jr. were charged with the murder of Barbara Lynn, 77 of Birch Tree, when the pair attempted to rob Lynn’s home after learning she had roughly $20,000 at her residence. After breaking into the home, Lynn confronted the men and Proffer beat and strangled her to death then set fire to the residence, according to law enforcement.
The body of Lynn was discovered in the hallway of the house when firefighters responded to the burning home.
Kenaga’s trial was initially set for September in Howell County. On July 20, 2023, an order for a change of venue was granted and the trial venue will be Jasper County, Missouri. Kenaga will remain in the Howell County Jail pending further order.
Proffer’s trial was initially set to start on February 21, 2023 and has been rescheduled to begin on October 11, 2023 in Phelps County. Proffer will be held in the Dent County Jail pending trial.
Among the differences in charges between the two men, Kenaga is charged with 1st-degree murder and Proffer is charged with 2nd-degree murder. Both men are charged with 2nd-degree arson, 1st-degree burglary, stealing $750 or more, and abandonment of a corpse.
