Judge May Move Hernandez Trial Out Of Town

Michael Hernandez has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity in the 2004 murder of 14-year old Jaime Gough.

Jamie Gough was stabbed to death in the bathroom of Southwood Middle School in February, 2004.

Jun 17, 2008 8:15 am US

Judge May Move Hernandez Trial Out Of Town

Trial Delayed Until Sept. 8th

MIAMI (CBS4) ― A Miami Dade judge will hold a hearing this week on whether a South Florida teen accused of killing a classmate in a school bathroom four years ago will be able to receive a fair trial in Miami.

Miami-Dade Circuit Judge John Schlesinger will listen to both sides on Wednesday during a change of venue hearing in the case of 18-year-old Michael Hernandez.

Last week Hernandez attorney Richard Rosenbaum filed a motion asking for the trial to be moved out of Miami Dade because of bias caused by heavy media coverage.

Hernandez has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity in the stabbing death of 14-year-old Jaime Gough.

Last month, jury selection was put on hold after Hernandez' attorney said he was adding expert witness, Vanessa Archer, a psychologist to their list of those of will testify. In earlier court hearings, she testified that the teen is "seriously, mentally ill". After the addition was announced, the judge granted prosecutors more time to conduct more depositions.

The trial is set to begin September 8th.

Hernandez, found to be competent to stand trial, faces life in prison without parole if convicted of killing 14-year-old Jaime Gough in the bathroom of Southwood Middle School in 2004. Gough had more than 40 stab wounds to his neck, face and hands when he was killed. Hernandez, who was also 14 at the time, reportedly confessed to the murder in a videotaped statement. He has since pleaded not guilty due to insanity.