Post by casper on Sept 10, 2012 14:40:45 GMT -5
Attorney expected to seek new site for trial in Beason murders
An attorney for Christopher Harris, accused in the 2009 bludgeoning deaths of five family members in Beason, says he wants to move the trial out of Logan County.
Following a conference Friday, Springfield defense attorney Dan Fultz said there is a “very substantial possibility” that he will file a change of venue motion because of the overwhelming media coverage the case has attracted over the past three years.
“I doubt if there’s been a case more substantially covered in Logan County’s history,” he said.
Christopher Harris, 33, is charged along with his younger brother Jason Harris in the brutal beating deaths of five members of the Gee family in Beason.
Last month, Christopher Harris’ attorneys indicated they might present a self-defense strategy at trial, now scheduled for April of next year.
Fultz said he doesn’t believe Christopher Harris has been portrayed unfairly in the media, but he thinks most Logan County citizens have already formed opinions on the circumstances of the slayings, based on the multitudes of media reports.
The deadline to request a change of venue is Dec. 3. Fultz said he will complete a state-required survey in surrounding counties to determine alternative possibilities.
Another hearing is scheduled Sept. 14 to discuss preservation of evidence defense attorneys Fultz and Pete Naylor found during an inspection of the Gee family home last month.
The property has been sealed since the crimes occurred.
The attorneys are seeking violent “Mortal Kombat” video games and a CD taken from the room of Dillen Constant, a 14-year-old boy who was one of the five victims. They also are seeking the boy’s medical, mental health and school records.
The requests have resulted in speculation that Constant will be the target of a self-defense strategy at trial.
Fultz said he expects that after final items of evidence are recovered, the Gee home will be returned to family members.
Fultz said he considered asking the home to be kept intact for the jury to view, but decided extensive video records taken at the property should be sufficient.
Also on Friday, a case management conference for Jason Harris was continued. Attorneys have said his trial will remain in a holding pattern until Christopher Harris’ trial is resolved.
Fultz has said he isn’t actively working with Jason’s Harris’ defense council.