MONROE — The boyfriend of a missing woman, awaiting trial on unrelated charges, will have to wait until November to find out if his upcoming trial can be moved out of Green County.

Derek Hammer, who faces several felonies and lingering suspicion related to the disappearance of his former girlfriend, Melissa Trumpy, remains in Green County jail after an attempt to have his $70,000 bond reduced failed this summer.

Hammer appeared in court on Oct. 5 on the motion for a “change of venue” but the judge allowed a decision on the matter to be pushed to Nov. 29 — at Hammer’s defense attorney’s request, according to court records.

Hammer faces a host of felony charges in Green County, including bail jumping, possession of cocaine with intent to deliver; possession of THC with intent to deliver, maintaining a drug trafficking place, and possession of a firearm as a felon. 

Friends and family members have long suspected that Hammer had something to do with the disappearance of Trumpy, of Monticello, who was also charged with various felonies stemming from her time with Hammer.

Hammer is thought to be among the last people to see Trumpy. She has been missing since October 2021. Authorities said the 37-year-old set out in her car for Hammer’s home in Shannon, Ill., where Hammer also faces felony charges. Numerous searches were conducted to find her by officials and volunteers. The Carroll County Sheriff’s Dept. and Stephenson County Sheriff’s office in Illinois are among the numerous agencies assisting in the probe.

Change of venue requests are typically sought by defendants who argue pre-trial publicity around their case would make it impossible for them to receive a fair trial in the jurisdiction in which they are being held. The Hammer case has generated headlines not only in this area but in northern Illinois and Madison media markets.

The Nov. 29 appearance on the matter will be at 9:30 a.m. before Circuit Judge Duane M. Jorgenson.