PORTSMOUTH, Va. (AP) - The attorneys of a former officer charged with murder are asking a judge to move the trial to different jurisdiction.
The Virginian-Pilot (http://bit.ly/1NUAIcY) reports the attorneys of 36-year-old Stephen Rankin argue their client cannot receive a fair trial in Portsmouth because of media attention the case has received and emotional outcry that has developed from the community.
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The office of Commonwealth's Attorney Stephanie Morales declined to comment to the newspaper on the request for a change of venue.
Rankin was arrested on charges including first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony in the April 22 death of an 18-year-old.
A trial is set for March 21 in Portsmouth.
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