WS really does a great job NOT using the kinds of sources you're talking about. But, we will have to agree to disagree about our duty as citizens. There will always be rapid speculation ( I see NONE on WS ) and the jury pool is screened (in all courts I've been in) for just this kind of bias. I've seen criminal defense attorneys who followed a crime closely impanelled and then, doing their duty, return a guilty verdict.
I believe our Constitution allows us to be independent thinkers, encourages it, in fact. It also gives journalism (and education) the ability to question everything. Everything. Full stop. As long as we don't yell "fire" in a crowded theater, etc.
The Courts themselves disagree with you. Opinions and comments on MSM are allowed (much less moderated than here).
More than half of Americans aren't reading much or any news (although I suspect Latah County is totally immersed in this - which is why there can be a change of venue), Most normal humans abide by the rules of court - which ask us to set aside prior beliefs and impressions about a case.
We are not required to give up the basic human quality of attempting to assess bad behavior as against good behavior.
It does not make either the prosecution's OR the defense's job more difficult. But if you have a source for that, I'd love to see it, as it is a big interest of mine.