Lengthy Trial Expected For Brian Fitch Sr.
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Jury selection is set to begin Monday in the trial of an accused cop killer.
Brian Fitch Sr. is accused of shooting and killing Mendota Heights Police Officer Scott Patrick during a traffic stop in July.
As of writing, the trial looks to last a while. Jury selection alone is expected to take upwards of a week.
Also, the case won't be tried in Dakota or Ramsey counties. In December, a judge granted a change of venue, allowing the trial to be moved to St. Cloud in Stearns County.
The judge said that with all the media attention last summer it would be difficult for Fitch to get a fair trial.
According to the Pioneer Press, a survey of potential jurors in Dakota County found that 91 percent had heard of Patrick's death and 83 percent thought Fitch was guilty.
Fitch is facing first-degree murder charges.
Investigators say he shot Patrick three times during a traffic stop.The 19-year veteran of the Mendota Heights Police Department likely never saw his shooter and didn't have time to pull out his gun.
Fitch also faces three attempted murder charges after police say he shot at St. Paul officers during his arrest.
This case is also unique in that a judge allowed the charges in two separate counties to be combined into one.
Patrick was killed in Dakota County. Fitch was arrested in Ramsey County.
Opening arguments and the first witnesses are expected on Jan. 20.