MISSOULA — A state judge has denied a third request for a change-of-venue for the trial of a Missoula man charged with shooting a German exchange student in his garage in April.
Defense attorneys sought the change after the Missoulian published stories last week that reported Markus Kaarma had a prior criminal record in Seattle and Missoula and that District Judge Ed McLean had ordered a psychiatric evaluation for Kaarma.
McLean said if it appears during jury selection that an impartial jury cannot be seated, he would consider moving the deliberate homicide trial.
He also forbade attorneys from both sides from speaking with Missoulian reporters.
The Missoulian reported McLean also rejected a prosecution request to have an exchange student who witnessed the shooting testify via video from Ecuador. McLean said Robby Pazmino had to testify in person.