Change Of Venue Motion Denied In Manslaughter Case

LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) — The attorney for a man accused of killing his girlfriend last summer says he will continue to pursue attempts to move the upcoming trial out of Lafayette. On Thursday, state District Judge Patrick Michot denied a request for a change of venue from attorney Edward Colbert. He represents 31-year-oldWilliam Phillips Jr., who has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the June 2010 death of Montie Martie. The Advertiser reports Martie died outside the couple's Lafayette home. Phillips has maintained that the two did fight that evening, and that Martie hit her head on rocks outside the house. But police have said that Martie's injuries didn't match Phillips' account. Phillips' trial is scheduled for July 5. He remains in the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center.