Photo: courtesy photo
Michael Griffin's trial for the murder of Don Belton will be delayed into 2011.
Attorneys representing the man accused of murdering Indiana University professor Don Belton are seeking a change of venue. Michael Griffin’s attorneys said they’re worried the community’s strong connection with IU along with media coverage of the crime and pre-trial events will result in a prejudiced jury. But Monroe County Deputy Prosecutor Bob Miller said according to precedent pre-trial publicity is only a problem when it gives information that would be inadmissible in court or if it miss-states the facts.
In court today Monroe County Circuit Judge Theresa Harper said she would consider the defense’s request, but did not say when she would have a decision. Griffin’s trial was scheduled to begin in December, but officials decided today to delay it until sometime in 2011.
