Defense asks judge to move trial for mom, boyfriend accused in death of 8-year-old Idaho boy

Defense seeks venue change in Idaho boy slaying

BOISE, Idaho — Defense attorneys are asking a judge to move the trial of a mother and her boyfriend accused in the slaying of an Idaho boy this summer.

Melissa Jenkins and Daniel Ehrlick each are charged with first-degree murder in the death of Jenkins’ 8-year-old son, Robert Manwill. Thousands of residents helped search for the Boise boy for more than a week after he was reported missing. His body was found Aug. 3 in an irrigation canal near Kuna.

During a hearing Thursday, attorneys for Jenkins and Ehrlick said moving the trial from Boise is necessary given the intense publicity surrounding the case.

District Judge Darla Williamson will consider the request. She scheduled trial for April 12, 2010.

Lawyers also filed a motion Thursday asking the judge to hold separate trials.