Video: Judge Denies Change of Venue Request in Murder Trial

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) -A Lowndes County man accused of murder won’t have his trial moved to another county. Randall Cooper argued he couldn’t get a fair trial in Lowndes because of publicity following his arrest in December 20-13. But after hearing from four witnesses today concerning publicity and community interest, Judge Lee Howard rejected the 21-year-old Crawford man’s concerns. The judge did say he would reconsider if problems arose once jury selection began.

The case is set for February 23rd. Cooper is charged with murder in the December 20th, 2013 shooting death of Virgil Harris outside a home on 21st Street North in Columbus. In remains in jail on 75 thousand dollar bond.