Change of venue denied, again

To start Wednesday morning off, defense attorney Dan Lewan once again renewed his motion for a change of venue. Denied.

He also renewed his motion to strike two jurors who had knowledge that Jessica Lunsford was buried alive.

Lewan argued that the only way potential jurors would have knowledge of this fact is to have either heard of the confession or have heard others discuss the confession.

Judge Ric Howard again chided the defense for assuming that jurors are not being absolutely honest with the court:

"... They are being candid with us, sometimes sharing personal things that are bothering them," said Howard. (In the pre-qualification round, Howard excused one woman who required frequent bathroom breaks).

Lewan also argued that the confession had been inappropriately released by the prosecution, arguing that by law a confession should only be released after the case has been tried.

Howard, however, was again unmoved by the defense's arguments: "Previous rulings stand."