Judge allows recordings as evidence in Joseph Elledge murder case From KRCG pool video Joseph Elledge sits in a Boone County courtroom Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020. Elledge was in court for a hearing in a child abuse case. He is also charged with murder in his wife's disappearance. COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Judge Brouck Jacobs will allow recordings of Joseph Elledge as evidence in the upcoming murder trial. Elledge is charged with first degree murder in the death of his wife Mengqi Ji. Judge Jacobs ruled that the recordings are relevant and admissibale. "After a hearing on 7/15/21, the Court took under advisement the admissibility of certain recorded statements. The Court listened to the underacted recordings in their entirety and has considered the arguments made by counsel in that regard. After due consideration, the Court finds that the recordings are relevant and otherwise admissible and therefore Defendant's objection to their admission is overruled."