Man accused in cab driver slaying wants trial moved

The man accused of killing a local cab driver in April claims he can't receive a fair trial in Linn County because of extensive pre-trial publicity and gossip, rumors and speculation by area residents.

Tyler Johnston, attorney for Johnathan Mitchell, filed a change of venue motion Wednesday and continuance in the case Thursday. Mitchell, 33, charged with first-degree murder in the slaying of  Century Cab driver Cathy Stickley April 29, is set for trial Aug. 15.

Johnston said because of the media "speculation" over how Mitchell was out on  bond for a previous assault charge when Stickley was killed, there has been in-depth information of his criminal history, which makes selecting an impartial jury in this county "impossible."

In addition to newspaper coverage, there also has been extensive radio and television coverage, according to the motion.

"The publicity attending this case has been so pervasive and inflammatory that prejudice must be presumed," Johnston said in the motion. "In the alternative, the defendant should be able to demonstrate actual prejudice on the part of prospective jurors during voir dire."

A hearing to consider the motion is set 10 a.m. Aug. 11.

Stickley, 54, was found dead by her vehicle April 29 in the 1500 block alley between Second and Third avenues SE, according to a criminal complaint. She died of multiple stab wounds to her neck and head.

At the time of her attack, Mitchell was out on a $10,000 bond for a previous charge of beating a man near Coe College last Sept. 25.

Mitchell remains in jail on a $1 million cash bond in Stickley's death.