Judge rejects request for change of venue in Guthrie case

A Cape Girardeau County circuit judge on Tuesday rejected a defense request for a change of venue in the case against a Jackson man accused of engaging in a shootout with police during a June 2012 confrontation.

Lawrence Guthrie, a Gulf War veteran and former Marine, faces charges of domestic assault, armed criminal action and assault on a law enforcement officer.

Guthrie's attorney, Bryan Greaser, told Judge Benjamin Lewis on Tuesday he was preparing a motion for a change of venue.

The high-profile case has received so much media attention that it would be impossible for Guthrie to get a fair trial in Cape Girardeau County, Greaser said in court, suggesting a change of venue to New Madrid County or Pemiscot County.

"We're going to have way too many people that have heard of the case, have preconceived notions," Greaser said in court Tuesday.

Assistant prosecuting attorney Angel Woodruff opposed the move, saying she thought Guthrie could receive a fair trial locally.

Lewis overruled Greaser's request, citing Missouri Supreme Court rule 32.04, which requires defendants to request a change of venue no later than 10 days after entering their initial plea.

The dramatic nature of the accusations against Guthrie has drawn interest from media outlets.

Guthrie is accused of physically assaulting his estranged wife, getting into a shootout with police and shooting himself in the face in a failed suicide attempt.

Guthrie was undergoing treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder at the time of the shooting, his wife testified last year.

Greaser has said Guthrie does not remember the events of June 13, 2012, and "didn't appreciate the consequences" of his actions.

Guthrie underwent forensic mental health evaluations by state and private psychiatrists.

The results of those evaluations are sealed, but the case could not go forward if Guthrie had been found incompetent to stand trial.

Outside the courtroom Tuesday, Greaser expressed disappointment with Lewis' ruling.

He said without a change of venue, the best way to increase Guthrie's chances of receiving a fair trial would be to call in a larger number of prospective jurors, thus increasing the likelihood of finding 12 people unfamiliar with the case, but that decision is up to the court.

"It's their discretion on how many jurors they would pull," Greaser said. "He may pull an extra large pool there to help ensure a more fair base."

The case is set for trial March 11 and 12.

epriddy@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent address:

100 Court St., Jackson, Mo.