Testimony to continue as attorney in Calif. train station shooting case seeks change of venue

Testimony to continue in CA train station shooting

OAKLAND, Calif. — Testimony will continue for a second day as the attorney for the former transit officer charged in the killing of an unarmed man seeks a change of venue.

Michael Rains told an Alameda County judge Tuesday that the murder trial for his client, Johannes Mehserle, should be moved out of the county.

Mehserle is charged with shooting 22-year-old Oscar Grant on New Year’s Day at a Bay Area Rapid Transit station.

Craig New, a jury consultant hired by the defense, testified that the coverage of the shooting should be grounds for a change of venue. He also cited a survey that found more than 96 percent of 400 residents surveyed knew details about the case.

New is expected back on the stand when testimony resumes Wednesday.

Mehserle has pleaded not guilty in the case.