Defense Attorneys Seek Change Of Venue For Santa Fe School Shooting Trial
GALVESTON, Texas (CBSDFW.COM/AP) — The teenager accused of killing 10 people at a Texas high school last year has made his first in-person court appearance as attorneys spar over whether his trial should be moved to a different city.
Eighteen-year-old Dimitrios Pagourtzis is charged with capital murder for the May attack at Santa Fe High School.
His attorney, Nick Poehl, said Monday that his client should receive the same treatment as others accused of mass murder. He cited Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh and serial killer Ted Bundy, who received changes of venue.
They argue that media coverage of the Santa Fe High School shooting caused prejudice within the community that prevents Pagourtzis from receiving a fair trial.
But prosecutors argue that a fair trial could be held locally, in Galveston County. They say many details about the attack have not been released.
Judge John Ellisor says he'll issue a ruling by the end of the week.
(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
