Jury selection will begin February 24, 2016, and the trial will immediately proceed after the selection.
Messel’s original trial date was set for July 22, but because of various requests, such as a request for investigator funds and a change of venue.
The change of venue request was filed by Messel’s attorney Dorie Maryan last month, and Judge Judith Stewart ruled to keep the change of venue decision pending until the jury selection.
Maryan made the request to avoid jury bias against Messel because of local news coverage.
During the request hearing she expressed concern about connections media made to Messel and Lauren Spierer’s death as well as Jill Behrman’s death. Coverage of past charges also concerned Maryan.
Messel is charged with one count of murder for the death of IU senior Hannah Wilson. Wilson was found dead April 23 in Brown County.
Suzanne Grossman
