Father of Missing Iowa Girl Seeks Change of Venue
Daniel Morrissey, left, walks through the parking lot of the courthouse in Waterloo, Iowa Friday, July 27, 2012. A judge on Friday delayed the trial in four pending drug and domestic abuse cases against Morrissey, saying the disappearance of his 10-year-old daughter Lyric Cook two weeks ago has not allowed him to prepare. (AP Photo/Ryan J. Foley)
By
Kara Kelly
Story Created:
Aug 24, 2012 at 3:53 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Dec 11, 2012 at 12:47 PM CDT
WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) — The father of one of two missing Iowa cousins is asking for his trial on drug charges to be moved.
The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reports that Daniel Morrissey's attorney says his client cannot receive a fair trial in Black Hawk County.
Morrissey is the father of 10-year-old Lyric Cook, who disappeared with her 9-year-old cousin, Elizabeth Collins, while riding bikes in Evansdale on July 13.
Morrissey and his associates have come under scrutiny from investigators because of his criminal history. He was scheduled to reach a plea bargain to meth charges the day before the girls' disappearance, but changed his mind.
Defense attorney Kevin Schoeberl says a hearing on the change of venue request will happen later. He said Thursday his client's legal problems are unrelated to the disappearance.