Mackool Asks For A Change Of Venue

A man accused of teaming with his then wife to kill her mother has asked a Pulaski County judge for a change of venue, citing media coverage of the case. Michael MacKool wants his October 25th capital murder trial moved to another county. Attorneys argued yesterday that an impartial jury cannot be seated in Pulaski County. MacKool`s ex-wife, Leslie Ballard was convicted of capital murder May 28th and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Prosecutors say they will also waive the death penalty for Michael MacKool. The couple were divorced in June. Police said Leslie Ballard`s mother, Janie Ballard, was stabbed 70 times at her home on September 12th of last year. Defense attorneys admitted more than 70 exhibits into evidence to prove the media coverage in the case. Circuit Judge Willard Proctor said he would delay a ruling until he could go through the exhibits. Prosecutors said that there has been significant news coverage but that a fair Pulaski County jury could be found.