Discussion for article #233999
This process is going to end badly. The kind of evidence that’s being let in is irrelevant to the issue of whether or not the defendant is guilty as charged. When cases that should have been the subject of a venue change are allowed to proceed locally, then it’s typical for victims to treat the trial is an exercise in catharsis, and it’s difficult for judges who are from and even live in the community to limit it.
I know the defense moved for a change of venue that was turned down both at the trial level and on appeal. Those outcomes don’t make the decision to go ahead locally with the trial right or prudent at all.