PINEVILLE — Ret. Circuit Court Judge James Bowling, now presiding over Bell District Court, has been appointed to preside over the murder trial of Lora Amburgey and James Parsons, according to the judge’s office.

Newly appointed Bell County Circuit Court Judge Robert Costanzo recused himself from the trial because of his involvement in the search and rescue of 70-year-old Paul Slusher’s body after it was dumped in the Cumberland River.

Amburgey and Parsons, both Pineville residents, allegedly invaded Slusher’s home in Fourmile, robbed him, proceeded to gag and bind him, and then threw him into the Cumberland River.

The couple is also charged with tampering with physical evidence for allegedly disposing of Slusher’s body in the river. The trial is set for October 26 at 9 a.m. in Pineville Circuit Court.