Teen accused in Latasha Roundtree shooting wants trial moved

An attorney for Tajh Ross, who is accused of shooting into a car and killing Latasha Roundtree in September 2012, asked a judge Friday to transfer the pending trial to another county because the 'extensive” pretrial publicity would prevent a fair and impartial trial.

Attorney Doug Davis argued the numerous newspaper articles, television and social media coverage of Roundtree's death, memorial service and the arrest of the five men charged in the case has caused prejudice against Ross and it would prevent him from selecting an unbiased jury.

Ross, 18, is charged with first-degree murder, intimidation with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy to commit a forcible felony and going armed with intent. He is accused of shooting a firearm into a car in which Roundtree, 19, of Cedar Rapids, was a passenger Sept. 22, 2012. Four other men also are charged in the homicide.

First Assistant Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks arguing against the change of venue. He said the coverage had been accurate and factual and didn't rise to 'pervasive” or 'inflammatory,” as pretrial publicity must be in order to move the trial. He pointed out there were gaps of several months between the coverage and most of the continuing coverage were routine articles regarding reset trial dates and Ross' mental competency.

Maybanks was referring to Ross undergoing a mental evaluation after he repeatedly refused to cooperate with his attorney and the court. Sixth Judicial District Chief Judge Patrick Grady ordered the evaluation, which found him competent to stand trial.

Maybanks said any bias among the jury pool could be resolved during jury selection to ensure a fair trial.

Grady said he would take it under advisement and issue a written ruling next week.

Ross' trial was previously set for May 12.

The others charged in the homicide:

-Jeremiah Ellis, 19, of Cedar Rapids, is charged with first-degree murder, intimidation with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy to commit a forcible felony and going armed with intent. He is accused of firing weapons into the car, according to criminal complaint. His trial is set Oct. 6.

-Yasin Muhidin, 18, of unknown address, is charged with first-degree murder, intimidation with a dangerous weapon, trafficking in stolen weapons, going armed with intent and conspiracy to commit a forcible felony, an aggravated misdemeanor. He is accused of killing Roundtree or aiding and abetting another who killed her, according to a complaint. He also is accused of supplying the firearm or aiding and abetting another who supplied the firearm used in the shooting. His trial is set for Oct. 6.

-Liban Muhidin, 21, of Cedar Rapids, pleaded guilty in July 2013 to conspiracy to commit a forcible felony and faces up to 10 years in prison. He admitted to conspiring with four others to shoot at the vehicle.

-Adrian M. Kenney, 23, of Cedar Rapids, pleaded guilty in October 2013 to perjury and accessory after fact. He faces up to 7 years in prison. He admitted to giving false information about the crime to police and disposing of evidence and helping others flee from the scene.