Here’s a July 23rd article that goes into a little more detail with the defense’s reasons for wanting the change the trial’s location.
Judge asks for time to review evidence in hearing to move Quake Lewellyn trial | KARK
Lewellyn’s team called four witnesses during the hearing, three of whom were residents of Jackson County.
The trio testified to the wide extent of awareness of the case among residents of the county and how details were discussed in person as well as online.
They noted how they thought many of the discussions on the case tended to center on opinions that Lewellyn was guilty of the accused crimes and the likelihood that he would get the death penalty.
The defense’s fourth witness was a mitigation specialist with the Arkansas Public Defender Commission, who discussed the visibility of the case in the community.
This witness mentioned a billboard outside of a local store and signs at an overpass calling for “Justice for Sydney,” as well as 38 yard signs in the community with the same messaging, with defense attorneys seeming to indicate that this level of public outcry would make it impossible for their client to get a fair trial in the county.
The defense also showed 11 online articles about the investigation and case, as well as playing out a podcast and three videos.
The defense said that while this content is readily available to anyone with an internet connection, other locations don’t have populations with the same personal connection to the case and the people involved.
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Again, I honestly don’t believe having the trial’s location moved is going to help Lewellyn.
