Jury selection this month, I wonder about a change of venue. Luckily Judge Deering will try to seat this jury in Pike County which is standard in Ohio courts.
Change of venue in Wagner murder trial denied by Pike County Judge
Rhoden case: New details emerge as judge rules George Wagner IV to stand trial in Pike County
Prosecutor Angie Canepa said the evidence will show the Wagners decided together in their kitchen to kill the Rhoden family. Canepa painted a picture of the Wagners as a controlling, insular family unit.
Defense attorney John Parker said:
“This is obviously one of the highest-profile cases in the history of this community. It was a 2 and a half year investigation. There were news conferences held by the Attorney General, by the local sheriff, different members of law enforcement, updating the community on the status of the investigation."
“This was subject to great social media discussion in the community. Every pre-trial, including this one is broadcast live on the internet. It’s garnered tremendous media attention. It is our position a jury couldn’t be selected here that is fair to our client given all the publicity and notoriety of this case,” said Parker.
The defense learned for the first time in talking recently with a jury commissioner that there is a very low turnout rate in Pike County.
“Approximately 20-25 percent turnout is typical of those summonsed for jury duty. That is simply not acceptable if we are going to have a fair cross-section of the community. And when you factor in how notorious this case is and if you combine with how turnout. Of course we don’t know until people show up or don’t show up,” said Parker.
Judge Randy Deering denied the request for a change of venue but said “it remains to be seen whether or not we can seat a jury.”
