From Deseret News archives:
Move of trial sought in missionary slaying
Citing fair trial concerns, attorneys for James R. Boughton Jr., 19, asked a Circuit Court judge to move the murder trial out of Chesapeake. Attorney Ken Melvin said his primary concern is "just trying to get 12 impartial jurors not affected by media reports."
Boughton is accused in the Jan. 2 fatal shooting of 21-year-old Morgan W. Young of Bountiful, Utah, and the wounding of Joshua Heidbrink, 19, of Greeley, Colo.
Boughton also has been accused in the attempted malicious wounding of a third man, Gregory L. Banks Jr., and three related gun charges.
Heidbrink testified at a hearing in June that he and Young were going door-to-door evangelizing when they heard a shot and saw a man running toward them. The man shot him, then he saw Young on his knees looking up at the shooter, heard a pop, then saw Young fall forward. He did not identify the shooter at the hearing.
Commonwealth's Attorney Nancy Parr objected to moving the trial.
"Just showing extensive publicity or widespread knowledge of the crime or the defendant is insufficient to justify a change of venue," she argued in a written response to the motion.
Judge Frederick Creekmore took the defense request under consideration.
Boughton is scheduled to stand trial Oct. 31 and is being held in the Chesapeake City Jail.
