Change of Venue Denied in Bikini Murder Case

A South Carolina judge has turned down a motion by attorneys for Jerry Buck Inman to move his trial in the Clemson University bikini murder case to a different location. Judge Edward Miller ruled that the trial for the murder of Tiffany Marie Souers will take place in Pickens County in September as scheduled.

Defense Attorney James Bannister argued that intense media coverage has already made it impossible to seat an unbiased jury in the area, requiring a jury from outside the locale. "We're already in a position where you can presume prejudice," Bannister said.

"People have knowledge of the case, have formed strong opinions of the case and people have a prejudiced opinion to such an extent they would be unable to set aside that opinion even under instruction of the court," Bannister said. "This is a small community, you have Tiffany Souers over at Clemson University, which is next door, and this case has received a significant amount of media coverage."

Prosecutor Betty Strom argued that the evidence presented by Bannister "totally inadequate to support a change of venue." The judge agreed.

Souers' body was found May 26, 2006 in her off-campus apartment. She had been strangled with her own bikini top. Inman, a registered sex offender, was arrested and charged with her death in June 2006.

See Also:
Judge Denies Change of Venue Motion for Inman

Background:
The Clemson Bikini Murder Case
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