The defense of a man accused of killing a sheriff’s deputy is calling for a change of venue

(LEX 18) – At a hearing Thursday, defense attorneys for Steven Sheangshang argued why they believe his trial should be moved out of Scott County.

Sheangshang is charged with murder in the May 2023 death of Deputy Caleb Conley.

Sheangshang’s lawyers argue he won’t get a fair trial in the capital case in Scott County.

Sheangshang appeared at the hearing virtually from prison and did not comment during the hearing.

Thomas Beisecker, a venue analysis expert, testified that he interviewed more than 250 people in Scott and Jefferson counties, asking them what they knew about the case and what they thought of it.

Beisecker said 90% of those surveyed in Scott County were aware that Sheangshang was charged in Deputy Conley’s death. He also stated that 84% responded that Sheanshang was probably guilty.

In Jefferson County, the percentages were significantly lower, Beisecker testified.

Prosecutors argued that the survey was flawed because some of the questions were skewed to favor the defense’s argument.

While the defense has called for the trial to be moved to Jefferson County because of its larger population, the judge in the case suggested Shelby County because it is outside the coverage area.

The judge will decide at a later date whether and where the hearing will be postponed.