Court Opinion

ID: 9712653
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 04:58:01.703276+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:23:13.540697
License: Public Domain

EAGEN, Justice
(dissenting).
While I have great respect for the wisdom and judgment of the distinguished jurist who presided in the instant trial proceedings, I am convinced it was an abuse of discretion to deny a change of venue.
In my view, Commonwealth v. Pierce, 451 Pa. 190, 303 A.2d 209 (1973), is controlling. That the petrial publicity in this case was “inherently prejudicial” and jeopardized Kichline’s right to a fair trial to me is beyond question. Under such circumstances, whether or not any of the jurors who decided the case had any prior opinions as to the accused’s guilt or innocence is irrelevant.
I would award a new trial.