Iowa judge to consider moving Minn. teen’s trial

Published 6:57 am Wednesday, April 13, 2011

DAKOTA CITY, Iowa — A judge is considering a request to move the trial of a Minnesota teenager accused of killing two convenience store clerks in northern Iowa.

Seventeen-year-old Michael Swanson, of St. Louis Park is charged as an adult with murder and robbery in Kossuth and Humboldt counties in Iowa. He’s accused of killing a clerk in Algona on Nov. 15, then driving to Humboldt and killing another clerk.

During a hearing on Tuesday in Humboldt County, defense attorney Charles Kenville asked that the first of two trials, set for June 20, be moved to eastern Iowa or Council Bluffs, citing extensive publicity. Prosecutors didn’t oppose the request.

Email newsletter signup

The judge said he’ll rule later and will weigh the need for a fair jury, cost concerns and transportation.