Judge moves trial for Othal Wallace after a change of venue hearing Friday morning

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — 9 a.m. Update

WFTV’s Demie Johnson is in the courtroom and says the judge plans to take time to consider where the trial can happen.

The judge and lawyers will continue to discuss various factors, including logistics and what county can handle the case.

Wallace’s trial will begin September 5th.

8:30 a.m. Update

The Judge has agreed to move the trial of Othal Wallace outside of Volusia County.

During a motion for change of venue this morning, the Judge ruled they will move the trial of Othal Wallace to another county.

Wallace’s attorneys argued he could not get a fair trial in Volusia County.

Arguments are still happening in court on where the trial will be moved.

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Wallace is accused of shooting and killing Daytona Beach Police Officer Jason Raynor in June 2021.

Wallace’s attorney, Terry Shoemaker, argues in the change of venue motion, “The effect of the initial spate of publicity to the case was not lost on the citizens of Volusia County. The impact of this ongoing and intense media coverage has created a general atmosphere and state of mind in the Volusia County community against Othal Wallace.”

Read: Man accused of killing Daytona Beach police officer hires new attorney

Shoemaker also requests if the judge decides to transfer to another location, the judge should consider “similar populations, similar racial demographics, and similar financial resources.”

Wallace’s defense team also suggests where to move the case to Alachua, Leon, or Broward County.

TIMELINE: Othal Wallace captured in Georgia

In a response motion filed by the State Attorney’s Office, they say, “Defendant has presented no evidence to this Court that he cannot obtain a fair and impartial jury in Volusia County and has therefore failed to meet his burden.”

Wallace is accused of killing Officer Jason Raynor in June of 2021 while he was responding to a suspicious incident near Kingston Avenue in Daytona Beach.

Wallace was found hiding in a treehouse in Georgia. Investigators said he was arrested in a rural area of DeKalb County, Georgia, three days after he allegedly shot Raynor in the head.

Raynor died of his injuries two months later, in August 2021.

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