Hearing Set for Motions in Roeder Trial

By Robert Marin (WICHITA, Kan.)

A hearing is set for Tuesday, Dec. 22nd, for several motions in the trial of Scott Roeder, including a defense request for a change of venue.

Roeder is charged with shooting and killing Wichita abortion provider Dr. George Tiller. Roeder confessed to the crime in an interview with the Associated Press in November.

Attorneys for Roeder say he cannot get a fair trial because of all the publicity in the case. During the hearing the judge could also discuss motions regarding evidence in the trial and how jury selection will be handled.

Jury selection in Roeder's trial is scheduled to begin January 11th, 2010; that process is expected to take about a week. Once a jury is selected in the case, the trial will begin. As with many high-profile court cases, there is the potential for these dates to change with further hearings and motions.

Eyewitness News will be following all aspects of the trial. Expect us to bring you the latest here on kwch.com, on Eyewitness Newscasts and on Twitter (KWCH12).