BY PHILLIP PINA
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Attorneys for Ralph L. Lynch, accused of killing a 6-year-old Colerain Township girl, want the man's trial moved out of Hamilton County.
Mr. Lynch has pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated murder, rape and kidnapping in the death of Mary Jennifer Love on June 24. He could face the death penalty if convicted.
Thursday, defense attorneys called the media coverage "extensive and ruthless" in a change-of-venue motion. They added that the media coverage has made it impossible for Mr. Lynch to receive a fair trial in Hamilton County.
The 48-year-old Mr. Lynch is accused of kidnapping his 6-year-old neighbor, raping her, then strangling her in his second-floor apartment in the Springwood Village apartments.
Mary was at first reported missing by her family. And for nine days, family, friends and police searched area woods and parks for the little girl they said was generous with her smiles and her hugs. Media crews set up camp for much of that time in the apartment complex's parking lot.
Her body was found July 3 in some woods 3 miles away from her Colerain Township home. Police said Mr. Lynch led them to the body.
In their motion, defense attorneys asked Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge Robert S. Kraft to consider moving the trial to Morrow County, near Columbus.
Prosecutors could not be reached for comment Thursday night.
