The Associated Press

WARSAW - The man accused of fatally stabbing two children and wounding their sister and mother in Gallatin County will be tried in neighboring Boone County, a judge ruled.

Marco Allen Chapman, 31, of Union is charged with two counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder and one count each of rape, burglary and robbery in the August 2002 knife attack at the Warsaw home of Carolyn Marksberry.

Chapman wore an orange jumpsuit and shackles on his wrists and ankles to a change of venue hearing Wednesday in Gallatin County Circuit Court.

Attorneys on both sides agreed before Judge Jay Bamberger that Chapman isn't likely to get a fair trial in the county where the attack took place.

But Commonwealth's Attorney Linda Tally Smith said prospective jurors in Boone County were far enough away from the scene to judge the case without bias.

"It's whether or not a person can sit on the jury, set aside anything they know about the case, listen to the facts and decide a case based solely on the evidence," Smith said. "That can be done in Boone County."

Chapman's trial will begin March 1, Bamberger ruled.

Marksberry's children, 6-year-old Cody Sharon and 7-year-old Chelbi Sharon, were killed in the attack. Marksberry and a third daughter, 10-year-old Courtney Sharon, suffered multiple stab wounds.

Authorities say Chapman was upset with Marksberry because she told Chapman's girlfriend to end a relationship with him.