Bid to move trial of Alabama officer in black man's death
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A lawyer for a white Alabama police officer charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a black man has asked a judge to move the officer's upcoming trial.
Aaron Smith's lawyer filed a motion Friday seeking a new venue, saying publicity and protests over the February shooting death of 58-year-old Greg Gunn in Montgomery would make a fair trial difficult to obtain there.
Lawyer Mickey McDermott said the "racial prejudice and hatred" toward the officer warranted a venue change.
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The judge didn't immediately respond.
A grand jury last month indicted Smith on a murder charge.
Authorities say the officer stopped Gunn as Gunn was walking home through his neighborhood late at night. Smith told investigators Gunn disobeyed instructions and fought with him.
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No trial date has been set.