Evansville, IN — The man charged with the murder of Evansville firefighter Robert Doerr has formally requested a change of venue for his upcoming trial. Larry Richmond Sr., who faces charges of Murder and Conspiracy to Commit Murder, filed the motion on Monday, citing the intense media coverage and social media attention surrounding the case.
Richmond, along with Elizabeth Fox-Doerr, the widow of Robert Doerr, was arrested in connection to the firefighter’s death. In June, Fox-Doerr was sentenced to 90 years in prison after being found guilty of her role in the crime. The case has garnered widespread attention, and Richmond’s legal team argues that this has led to significant public bias and hostility against him before his trial even begins.
Court records indicate that Richmond is scheduled to go to trial in May 2024. However, before the trial begins, a hearing on his request for a change of venue will take place on January 8. In the request, Richmond’s defense attorneys argue that the extensive media coverage, combined with inflammatory social media posts, has created a prejudiced atmosphere that could hinder his right to a fair trial in Vanderburgh County.
The case against Richmond and Fox-Doerr has captured the attention of both the local community and the broader public, adding another layer of complexity to the legal proceedings. As Richmond’s trial date approaches, the court will consider whether relocating the trial to another venue is necessary to ensure an impartial jury.
