Murder Trial Jury Will Come From Quachita Parish

RAYVILLE, La. (AP) — A state judge ruled that the trial of two men accused of the first-degree murder of Rayville Police Sgt. Thomas Alexander in 2010 will remain in Richland Parish, but the jury will be chosen from Ouachita Parish.

The News-Star reports (http://tnsne.ws/UdMLHu ) Judge Terry Doughty ordered Wednesday the change of venue for jury selection because of the high profile of the case. The defense objected, saying Ouachita Parish remained within the media footprint of the crime.

Anthony D. Oatis and Richard L. Long are charged in death of Alexander.

Doughty set the trial date for Aug. 12, although District Attorney Mack Lancaster said he will ask for separate trials.

Alexander was shot and killed on Sept. 11, 2010, while responding to a burglary-in-progress call in Richland Parish.