McARTHUR, Ohio - A man charged with killing a college student once said he thought the missing woman was probably dead, a former co-worker testified Tuesday.

        Nathan Justice said he did not consider Gregory McKnight's comment odd because Kenyon College student Emily Murray had been missing for several weeks.

        Mr. Justice worked with Ms. Murray and Mr. McKnight, who is charged with aggravated murder and kidnapping in her death. Ms. Murray disappeared in November 2000, and her body was found about a month later in Mr. McKnight's trailer near Ray, Ohio.

        Mr. McKnight, 25, could face the death penalty if convicted of Ms. Murray's slaying. He also is charged with murdering a man, Gregory Julious, who authorities say was last seen with Mr. McKnight and whose remains also were found on his property.

        Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey Simmons ruled in August that prosecutors could not seek the death penalty because Vinton County might not be able to afford a proper prosecution and pay for Mr. McKnight's defense. Judge Simmons later changed his mind.

        With 12,800 people, Vinton is Ohio's sparsest county. Its unemployment rate is usually double the state average. The state is expected to pay some of the defense costs, estimated at $150,000 to $300,000.

        Mr. Justice told jurors in Vinton County Common Pleas Court that he often socialized with Mr. McKnight, and the two discussed Ms. Murray's disappearance once. All three worked at the Pirates Cove pizza restaurant.

        Ms. Murray, a junior philosophy major, had been shot in the head and rolled up in a piece of carpet.

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