CAMDEN COUNTY, Missouri — A child rape case against a man from Sunrise Beach has been moved to circuit court, according to a recent court ruling. Eric Tennison, 49, is facing charges of First-Degree Statutory Sodomy, Statutory Sodomy, and Incest, brought by prosecutors in Camden County. The decision to transfer the case was made by a Camden County judge on March 4.
Online court records indicate that the judge ordered the case to proceed in circuit court. This move comes after a forensic interview conducted in October 2023 at Kids’ Harbor in Osage Beach, where the victim disclosed consistent instances of sexual abuse by Tennison dating back to the spring of 2020. The Missouri Attorney General’s Office explains that if probable cause is established, the defendant will be “bound over” for trial in circuit court.
Tennison is set to be arraigned on March 6. The charges against him include two counts of First-Degree Statutory Sodomy, six counts of Statutory Sodomy, and eight counts of Incest. The decision to move the case to circuit court signifies a significant step in the legal process, as it indicates that there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.
The transfer of the case is an important development, as it brings the allegations against Tennison closer to a resolution. By moving from a lower-level court to circuit court, the case will now be handled by a higher-level judicial authority, where more serious criminal matters are adjudicated. This change in jurisdiction reflects the severity of the charges and the need for a thorough examination of the evidence.
Prosecutors will present their case against Tennison in circuit court, where they will seek to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The outcome of the trial will depend on the presentation of evidence, witness testimony, and the decision of the judge or jury. However, the transfer of the case to circuit court suggests that the prosecution is confident in their position and believes that they have a strong case against Tennison.
Moving the child rape case against Tennison to circuit court ensures that justice is pursued diligently and thoroughly. The prosecution will have the opportunity to present their evidence and arguments in a more formal and structured setting, increasing the chances of a fair and just resolution. As the legal process unfolds, the victim and their family are hopeful that this step will bring them closer to achieving justice and closure.
The arraignment on March 6 will mark another milestone in the case, as Tennison will have the opportunity to enter a plea and formally respond to the charges against him. It will be a critical moment in the proceedings, signaling the beginning of the trial phase and allowing both sides to present their arguments and evidence. The courtroom proceedings will provide an opportunity for the victim to share their story and seek accountability for the harm they have endured.
As the case advances in circuit court, it will command increased attention and scrutiny. The outcome will have far-reaching implications for the victim, the defendant, and the community at large. It is an important reminder of the obligation to protect the most vulnerable members of society and to hold perpetrators of sexual abuse accountable for their actions. The proceedings will test the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in addressing these deeply troubling crimes and ensuring that justice is served.