Avoyelles: Change Of Venue Hearing Set For Today In Norris Greenhouse Child Murder Case

A hearing is set for today on a motion to change the venue of Norris Greenhouse Jr.’s trial.

He and Derrick Stafford, former Marksville City Marshals, are accused in the death of 6-year-old Jeremy Mardis. Stafford was already convicted for attempted manslaughter and manslaughter in Avoyelles Parish. Legal Analyst Tim Meche believes there’s a good chance Greenhouse’s trial will be moved.

"Not only has this case received widespread publicity, but there's already been a trial in that community where someone was adjudicated guilty," said Meche.

Greenhouse is facing charges of attempted second degree murder in the injuring of the father, Christopher Few, and second degree murder for the death of Mardis. Meche says change of venue decisions are strictly up to the judge, and a recent trend in Louisiana is to bring in a jury from another Parish.

"One other option would be for him to go through jury selection, and after a day or two if it appears to be problematic he could then move it," said Meche.

Meche says Greenhouse’s lawyer has a good case, because there was been a TON of publicity about this case, on a local, state and national level. He also points to the fact that the victim’s family has been extensively interviewed by electronic and print media.

"If ever there was a cause that justified change of venue, it's this one," said Meche.