LaPlante attorney seeks change of venue
Public defender says coverage has created biased jury pool in attempted murder case
The public defender for a man charged with attempted murder is seeking a ruling from a judge on various motions, including a change of venue.
Brennan Wright, of Grangeville, the public defender for Robert J. LaPlante, filed a motion for a change of venue in January and to authorize deposition of the victim in February. LaPlante, 57, of Clarkston, was indicted by a grand jury for the attempted murder of Loyal Otis Dickson Jr.
Wright argued that media coverage of the case, citing four articles published in the Tribune in October, created a biased jury pool in Nez Perce County. Wright is also asking to have an interview with the alleged victim, who is not responding, according to court documents.
The prosecutor’s office argues that the change of venue motion is premature and the matter of an impartial jury will be determined during jury selection, according to a response written by Chief Deputy Prosecutor April Smith. In response to Wright’s other motion, Smith said the victim is protected by law from speaking with the defense, which has the opportunity to cross-examine at trial. Wright asked for a clear ruling on the issue Wednesday at the Nez Perce County Courthouse, according to court minutes.
Second District Judge Mark Monson will hear arguments from the defense and the Nez Perce County Prosecutor’s Office next Friday.
Wright filed a motion to unseal the grand jury indictment, which was granted by Monson on Wednesday.
A jury trial is scheduled for March 11.
Two others have been indicted in the case in October, Timothy W. Allen was also charged with attempted murder, and his case is scheduled to go to trial in June. Kelley A. Wilson was charged as an accessory for withholding information from law enforcement, and her next court date is April 11.
