Jan 7, 2008 2:30 pm US/Eastern
Detectives In Sean Bell Case Seek Change Of Venue
NEW YORK (AP) ―
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The three detectives indicted in the killing of Sean Bell filed a "change-of-venue" motion in fear of the pretrial publicity potentially infiltrating the jury pool.
CBS
Three detectives charged in the killing of an unarmed man on his wedding have asked an appeals court to move their trial out of New York City.
Defense attorney James Culleton said the change-of-venue motion filed on Monday argues that pretrial publicity "has prejudiced the jury pool to such a degree that (the defendants) couldn't get a fair trial."
Prosecutors had no immediate comment.
Sean Bell, 23, was gunned down on Nov. 25, 2006, just hours before his wedding, as he left his bachelor party. The officers were conducting an undercover operation into alleged prostitution at the Kalua Cabaret in Queens, where the party was held.
The detectives have pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and reckless endangerment charges. Jury selection is scheduled for Feb. 4.
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