Found Deceased IA - Mollie Tibbetts, 20, Poweshiek County, 19 Jul 2018 *Arrest* #47

[SharonNeedles]

Surprised they moved it that far out, Woodbury County is upper Northwest corner of Iowa near Sioux City close to SD line. The population is a little over 102,000.

ETA: Link to Woodbury County Courthouse
Centennial - Woodbury County, Iowa

I’m not happy about that at all... but I can make it work.

 

[Dontknow?]

I don't understand why they wouldn't bring jurors in from Woodbury Co.? The cost would be less.

 

[Seattle1]

Mollie Tibbetts murder trial moved to Woodbury County

MONTEZUMA — A judge ruled Wednesday to move the trial for a man accused of fatally stabbing 20-year-old Mollie Tibbetts to Woodbury County, and it will remain set for Sept. 3.

Lawyers for Cristhian Bahena Rivera, 24, and prosecutors agreed the trial should be moved out of Poweshiek County because of extensive pretrial publicity.

The defense, in a motion, argued their client couldn’t have a fair and impartial jury because hundreds of people from the area volunteered in the monthlong search for the University of Iowa student after she vanished while jogging July 18 in her hometown of Brooklyn.

 

[Seattle1]

Mollie Tibbetts murder trial moved to Sioux City in Woodbury County

UPDATE: According to online court records, Cristhian Rivera’s trial will be moved to Sioux City in Woodbury County. The trial remains set for September 3, 2019.

 

[girlhasnoname]

Link to Census demographics Woodbury County:
White 87.7%
Black African American - 3.5%
American Indian - 2.8%
Asian - 2.9%
Native Hawaian - 0.2%
Hispanic Latino - 16.6%

Vs
Hispanic Latino - 3.4% in Poweshiek County

U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Woodbury County, Iowa

 

[TL4S]

Link to Census demographics Woodbury County:
White 87.7%
Black African American - 3.5%
American Indian - 2.8%
Asian - 2.9%
Native Hawaian - 0.2%
Hispanic Latino - 16.6%

Vs
Hispanic Latino - 3.4% in Poweshiek County

U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Woodbury County, Iowa

I wonder if they expect a high level of coverage via media and public attendance at the trial, so they located it somewhere that could handle the volume. Des Moines is larger, but lists several Hispanic heritage festivals in September, which might not be a good mix for the trial, no matter anyone's views on immigration.

The farther away the better, IMO. (With the exception of SharonNeedles having to travel) Greater Hispanic population numbers are beneficial, as well. Anything to keep this trial clean and free from being picked apart in appeals. JMO

 

[JenniD]

I’m not happy about that at all... but I can make it work.

This is less than 2 hours from my home
I am thinking about attending. Anyone have any idea how long this might go on and what are rules regarding who can be in courtroom

 

[PommyMommy]

This is less than 2 hours from my home
I am thinking about attending. Anyone have any idea how long this might go on and what are rules regarding who can be in courtroom

It has been reported that the trial is expected to last 6-8 days. In other cases I've followed, the court issued a Decorum Order but in this case, it's still much too early for that. MOO

 

[Alethea]

This is less than 2 hours from my home
I am thinking about attending. Anyone have any idea how long this might go on and what are rules regarding who can be in courtroom

Check the local courthouse website for general rules. Each judge may also have additional rules. Each court decides who can bring what into the courthouse—For example some courts allow you to bring your phone and your computer, other courts do not allow electronics, or only allow electronics for attorneys. Prior to the trial the judge will likely issue an order outlining any specific rules. It will also depend on how big the physical court house is—if it’s a big courthouse they may not have any restrictions on who can attend. If it’s a small courthouse they might have some sort of a (free) ticket system for media or the public but I’m not sure.

 

[Bravo]

Yes agree ^ and sometimes there is an over flow room. I kinda prefer as you see/hear everything on a large monitor and can freely get up and use restroom etc. without disturbing a Courtroom. In my experience.

 

[katydid23]

The higher population of Latino demographics might work sgdinst the defense team. Having Latino jurors won’t nrcessarily be a good thing for the defendant.

Local hardworking, law abiding Latinos aren’t going too look too fondly on this

JMO

 

[JenniD]

Check the local courthouse website for general rules. Each judge may also have additional rules. Each court decides who can bring what into the courthouse—For example some courts allow you to bring your phone and your computer, other courts do not allow electronics, or only allow electronics for attorneys. Prior to the trial the judge will likely issue an order outlining any specific rules. It will also depend on how big the physical court house is—if it’s a big courthouse they may not have any restrictions on who can attend. If it’s a small courthouse they might have some sort of a (free) ticket system for media or the public but I’m not sure.

Thanks for the info

 

[TL4S]

The higher population of Latino demographics might work sgdinst the defense team. Having Latino jurors won’t nrcessarily be a good thing for the defendant.

Local hardworking, law abiding Latinos aren’t going too look too fondly on this

JMO

I don't think the ethnicity of the jurors will matter here if the evidence is beyond a reasonable doubt. But a diverse demographic might prevent the argument later that the pool of jurors was too uniform, or something along those lines. JMO

 

[JenniD]

I don't think the ethnicity of the jurors will matter here if the evidence is beyond a reasonable doubt. But a diverse demographic might prevent the argument later that the pool of jurors was too uniform, or something along those lines. JMO

The Sioux City area does have a fair amount of Hispanic population but many have been there for many years so I would expect them to not be too sympathetic to an illegal who has murdered someone as it reflects poorly on those that are just trying to provide a better life for their families.

 

[SharonNeedles]

The Sioux City area does have a fair amount of Hispanic population but many have been there for many years so I would expect them to not be too sympathetic to an illegal who has murdered someone as it reflects poorly on those that are just trying to provide a better life for their families.

At the same time, Sioux City is in the heart of Iowa’s fourth congressional district where the political extremism runs a lot deeper than Eastern Iowa. That’s why this particular change of venue really puzzles me.

 

[TL4S]

The Sioux City area does have a fair amount of Hispanic population but many have been there for many years so I would expect them to not be too sympathetic to an illegal who has murdered someone as it reflects poorly on those that are just trying to provide a better life for their families.

I doubt anyone, no matter their race or immigration status, will have sympathy for a cold-blooded killer (if that's what the evidence shows beyond a reasonable doubt), regardless his own race or immigration status. JMO

 

[TL4S]

Stupid legal question that I've forgotten the answer to:

If convicted, will he absolutely serve his time in Iowa, or is it possible he'd serve it in Mexico?

 

[mickey2942]

I doubt anyone, no matter their race or immigration status, will have sympathy for a cold-blooded killer, regardless his own race or immigration status. JMO

This. However, it is a security issue, that is never addressed.

 

[TL4S]

This. However, it is a security issue, that is never addressed.

Do you mean security for the trial?

 

[mickey2942]

Do you mean security for the trial?

No. Meaning, undocumented people who come to our country without being admitted, vetted, and screened are a security problem.