Survey: Most think suspect guilty in teen's death
Published on -2/9/2012, 6:53 AM
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GREAT BEND, Kan. (AP) -- Attorneys for a man accused of killing a 14-year-old Great Bend girl say their client can't get a fair trial in Barton County because most residents already think he is guilty.
There was no decision on Wednesday's request in Barton County District Court to move the trial of 37-year-old Adam Longoria. He is scheduled to go on trial March 26 on charges of capital murder and sex crimes for the August 2010 death of Alicia DeBolt.
KWCH-TV (http://bit.ly/zvw9HM ) reports Judge Hannelore Kitts said she would rule on Monday.
A survey of 400 Barton County residents conducted through Pittsburg State University found all were familiar with the case and 94 percent thought Longoria was guilty.
Prosecutors say the survey is not representative and argue Longoria could still get a fair trial.
