Rios is facing a new trial on first-degree murder charges for the death of MU student Jesse Valencia.

Grissom has been a TV actor and has appeared as a legal analyst on MSNBC. He is now a news anchor in Louisiana, as well as an attorney. Rios' current lawyer, Gillis Leonard, says Grissom's experience in criminal defense cases in both Washington state and Columbia make him a prized asset for the case. And Leonard, a defense attorney from Moberly, thinks Grissom has the right personality for the job.

"Stone has a more, I hate to use the word polished, but he does have a more theatrical approach,"  Leonard said.

According to Leonard, under Missouri law Grissom would be allowed to participate in the defense of Steven Rios as a visiting attorney, but a circuit judge must give consent.

Missouri law states any out-of-state lawyer may appear in a criminal case provided that the lawyer is in good standing with any state bar association, and the lawyer is required to pay a $100 fee.

In 2005, Rios complained that hearsay evidence led to his conviction for the murder of MU student Jesse Valencia. He believes his public defender should have kept that evidence out of his first trial. That complaint is what led to the new trial. And Leonard says, as long as Grissom is approved, they can win the case.

"But if you want to come in and see lawyers bringing their A-game, this is the trial. Because if you don't bring your A-game, you're doing your client a total disservice," Leonard said.

Leonard believes Grissom has met all the requirements to practice in this case. He expects Grissom to be in court on July 3rd for more pretrial motions.

The retrial is scheduled to begin on August 18. The retrial was granted to Rios last year.