The next re-trial of Stanley Liggins will not be held in the Quad Cities, instead it will be moved to Waterloo, in Black Hawk County. That was the decision Friday from District Court Judge Marlita Greve, granting the change of venue motion (see ruling below).
In her seven page ruling, the judge says surveys show it would be hard to pick an impartial jury in Scott County because many people in the Quad Cities still remember Liggins' first two murder trials from more than 20 years ago. And recent publicity has only served to remind them of the case and his connection to it.
She also refers to articles, and the WVIK podcast "Suspect Convictions," that contain statements about evidence that may not be admitted at trial and could be damaging to the defendant.
When considering the recent pre-trial publicity, Judge Greve says, quote, "the court is struck by the amount of it, as well as the details given, the opinions given, and the derogatory and inflammatory nature of some of the publicity directed toward defendant."
Liggins' trial is now set for May 22nd in Waterloo.
Liggins Case Decisions on Motions Change of Venue by Michelle O'Neill on Scribd
