WINONA, Minn. – The Winona man accused in the March 2023 death of Maddi Kigsbury wants his murder trial moved out of Winona. Adam Fravel’s attorney filed a motion for a venue change with Judge Nancy Buytendorp. The attorney, Zachary Bauer of Rochester, argued that a fair trial is impossible in Winona. The motion cited:
> Extensive news coverage over the past 10 months that, he said, created prejudicial atmosphere that renders it impossible to seat a fair and impartial jury.
> Community emotions against Fravel, as evinced by massive organized searches searches with as many as 2,500 volunteers and as also evinced also by a series of highly attended and emotional public vigils.
Fravel: New charge flawed
Bauer also asked that an elevated charge of first-degree degree murder be set aside. The first-degree charge, recommended by a grand jury in November, was based on insufficient admissible evidence, Bauer said. The original charge was second-murder. The motions were filed at a pre-trial hearing at which both the defense and prosecution laid out their strategies for the trial. The trial has been scheduled for September or October.
Prosecution plans
Prosecutor Karin Sonneman told Judge Buyendrop she plans to seek an aggravated sentence against Fravel if he is convicted of murder. This, Sonneman said, would be for the “particular cruelty” nd anguish that Maddi Kingsbury’s family went through during the 2-1/2 months that Maddi was missing. Judge Buytendorp took Bauer and Sonneman motions under advisement.
Earlier: New charges loom in Kingsbury murder case
Earlier: Bail at $2 million for Fravel in murder case
Earlier: Police to update Maddi Kingsbury case, arrest,murder charge
Earlier: Tears mix with hope at vigil for Maddi