JACKSON, Mo. (AP) -- A former Missouri deputy will stand trial for a 1979 killing.

The Southeast Missourian newspaper's Web site, http://semissourian.com, reports that arraignment will be May 11 after a judge on Monday allowed the case to move forward against 61-year-old Max Ellison Jr.

Ellison is accused in the death of Deborah Martin. Her body was found inside her plant and antique shop in Cape Girardeau.

Ellison is jailed on $10 million cash-only bond.

Ellison was arrested last month. He is on parole from federal prison for a kidnapping conviction.

During testimony Monday, former Stoddard County Sheriff Ralph Mouser recalled a 1989 telephone conversation in which Ellison allegedly admitted to killing Martin. Ellison, a former Stoddard County deputy, says he is innocent.

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Information from: Southeast Missourian, http://www.semissourian.com
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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