Trial For Accused Cop Killer Brian Fitch Moved To Stearns Co.
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A Dakota County judge ruled to move the trail for Brian Fitch, who is accused of murdering Mendota Heights police Officer Scott Patrick, to Stearns County.
Brian Fitch Sr. faces charges of first-degree murder of a peace officer and first-degree premeditated murder in Dakota County.
In Ramsey County, Fitch has been charged with three counts of attempting to commit murder of a peace officer, three counts of drive by shooting with a dangerous weapon, three counts of second-degree assault and one count of possessing an assault weapon.
Police say that Fitch shot 47-year-old Officer Scott Patrick, a 19-year veteran of the Mendota Heights Police Department, during a routine traffic stop. He then fled police and later became involved in a standoff which resulted in gunshots.
According to the ruling, the extensive media coverage of the case in both Dakota County and Ramsey County is believed to have influenced potential jurors.
Additionally, the judge said a release of a statement allegedly made by Fitch where he claimed he hated cops and was guilty is thought to persuade jurors, despite the fact that it will not be included among evidence in the trial.
According to court documents, Judge Mary J. Theisen has ruled to move the trail to Stearns County.
The trial will be held in Stearns County and the jury selection will take place at the Stearns County Courthouse on Jan. 12, 2015.
The trial is set to take place at 9 a.m. on Jan. 20, 2015.
