WINONA, Minn. – The case was laid out for Adam Fravel’s murder trial to be moved out of Winona. His attorney argued that the community is so prejudiced against Fravel that he cannot possibly receive a fair trial locally for the 2024 murder of Maddi Kingsbury, the mother of their two children. Judge Nancy Buytendorp will make the decision on a venue change, probably in June. Among witnesses summoned by Favel’s attorney .Zachary Bauer, in arguing that an impartial local jury would be difficult to find and empanel:
> Kim Adams, of SNG Research in Rochester, on his public opinion survey that found a high level of awareness of the case and also a high level of opinion
> Scott Sherman, mayor of Winona, on his role in the 10-week search for Kingsbury and his ties to the Kingsbury family.
> Ben Klinger, county emergency management director, who organized massive land searches, one with 1,800 volunteers, to search three counties for clues.
Testimony noted that the summer Steamboat Days parade had a float calling for justice and domestic violence awareness. News coverage was cited too. Rochester television station KTTC carried 59 Maddi Kingsbury.
Earlier: CBS retells Maddi Kingsbury’s disappearance
Earlier: Judge limits access to details in Fravel murder probe
Earlier: Request to Fravel judge: Please seal murder evidence
Fravel. Escorted to court underground. No news cameras allowed. In orange jail jumpsuit. Was wearing glasses for first time in a court appearance since arrest 11 months ago.