State v. Boykin

COPELAND, Justice.

Defendant contends that the trial court erred in denying her motion for a change of venue as provided in G.S. 15A-957 or in the alternative, for a special venire panel under G.S. 15A-958. At the pretrial motion hearing, defense counsel argued that prejudice against the defendant in Johnston County would not allow her to obtain a fair and impartial trial. In support of his motion, counsel filed five affidavits and seventy-three un-sworn statements of county residents. The form statements, printed in advance, contained a number of rumors concerning the defendant which had…