•November 6, 2015•

A motion to move the trial of Michael S. Yost out of Moultrie County was denied  by the Hon. Judge Dan L. Flannell Friday, November 6.

Yost, 40, of Sullivan is charged with the March 4, 2015 murder of Sheri L. Randall, 43.

Public Defender Bradford Rau called NewsProgress Publisher Robert R. Best for testimony illustrating how high profile the case was. Best told the court the News Progress website hits were 2,2562,979 during the publications including information on the Randall murder. He noted the average hit range is between 400,000 and 600,000.

States Attorney Jeremy Richey’s office commissioned a survey that revealed 48% of those surveyed had no knowledge of the case.

Rau pointed out that of those who knew about the case 98% said they believed the defendant was guilty.

Also reviewed was an anonymous letter from a former juror who was surveyed. It was an appeal for a guilty verdict in the case.

“In my 27 years we have been successful in finding impartial jurors; the process will determine if there is a need to move to another county,”  Judge Flannell said.

Following the decision Richey and Rau agreed to a trial ready meeting at 1:30 p.m. Monday November 30.