Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
Michelle Kehoe Appears in Court
By Dave Franzman, Reporter
By
Becky Ogann
Story Created:
Aug 26, 2009 at 10:41 AM CST
Story Updated:
Nov 2, 2009 at 4:29 PM CST
BUCHANAN COUNTY - A Coralville woman charged with killing one son and trying to kill another wants to go on trial somewhere besides Buchanan County.
Michelle Kehoe faces one count of first degree murder and another count of attempted murder. Police say Kehoe killed her son Seth, age 2, by slitting his throat with a knife. She's also accused to trying to kill her older son Sean, then age 7, at the same time. That alleged knife attack happened last October in rural Buchanan County near Littleton.
Wednesday's hearing was a motion hearing. The trial itself is currently set to begin October 28th. So defendant Michelle Kehoe was not required to come to court. But Kehoe did appear in court for the first time since an initial appearance to hear the charges in October of 2008.
Both sides quickly disposed of some minor pretrial issues. The main argument turned to whether the trial should move elsewhere.
Kehoe's attorney says the publicity is so extensive, she wants the court to call a mock jury to see if potential jurors in Buchanan County are even able to offer a fair trial. Kehoe's attorney says one reason for a mock jury is all of the information on websites about the case. A particular problem is the explosive nature of some of the comments.
"Name calling, directed profanity at Mrs. Kehoe, expressing their opinions about what should be done to her," said Andrea Dryer, Kehoe's Attorney.
Prosecutors don't want the trial moved out of Buchanan County and don't believe there is any reason that would require it. However if the judge is concerned, they said a mock jury would be preferable to a change of venue.
First Judicial District Judge Bruce Zager will take the arguments under advisement and submit a written ruling later.
More Good Stuff
; "Click for Pinpoint Doppler Radar")
