Wesson trial to stay in Fresno County

Fresno Bee (CA)/September 14, 2004

Marcus Wesson's trial will stay in Fresno County, Superior Court Judge R.L. Putnam ruled after a hearing that started Monday and ended this morning.

Social scientists equipped with statistics and surveys testified Monday during a hearing to decide whether local jurors will decide Wesson's fate.

Defense attorneys asked that Wesson, accused of Fresno's worst mass murder, be tried in another county. Prosecutor Lisa Gamoian argued that an impartial jury can be found in Fresno County.

The ruling was issued without prejudice, meaning there is still an option to move the trial if it's determined that an impartial jury can't be selected.

The trial is scheduled to begin Jan. 25.