ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — The Jefferson County man charged with sexually assaulting two women and killing a third at a Catholic Supply store in Ballwin wants his statements to police thrown out.
Thomas Bruce, 55, is awaiting trial in St. Louis County for first-degree murder, multiple counts of sodomy, kidnapping, burglary and armed criminal action.
Police said Bruce killed Jamie Schmidt, who was a customer at the supply store in November 2018.
Court filings by Bruce's defense attorney claim police failed to obtain an arrest or search warrant before taking him into custody.
They also claim Bruce wasn't read his rights and was denied an attorney and his PTSD medications. The filings seek to have Bruce's statements and all evidence seized from his home and vehicles thrown out of court.
Bruce has been in jail for nearly three years. His trial has been delayed several times due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Previous coverage:
- 1 year later: Tragedy at a Catholic Supply Store
- The Catholic Supply shooting: Life after loss
- Innocence Project has setback in attempt to test DNA that could link decades-old murder to Thomas Bruce
- Tennessee judge denies DNA testing in case involving Thomas Bruce
- Accused Catholic Supply Store killer enters not guilty plea to sexual assault charges in Jefferson County