(LEX 18) — At a hearing Thursday, defense attorneys for Steven Sheangshang argued why they believe his trial should be moved from Scott County.

Sheangshang is charged with murder in the May 2023 death of Rep. Caleb Conley.

Sheangshang’s attorneys say he won’t be able to get a fair trial in the Scott County capital case.

Sheangshang basically appeared from prison for the hearing and did not speak during the hearing.

Thomas Beisecker, an expert in location analysis, testified that he surveyed more than 250 people in both Scott and Jefferson counties, asking them what they knew about the case and what they thought about it.

Beisecker said 90 percent of those surveyed in Scott County knew Sheangshang had been charged in Deputy Conley’s death. He also testified that 84% answered that Sheanshang was probably guilty.

The percentages in Jefferson County were considerably lower, Beisecker testified.

Prosecutors argued the poll was flawed because some of the questions were skewed to favor the defense’s case.

While the defense is asking that the trial be moved to Jefferson County because of the larger population, the judge in the case suggested Shelby County because it is outside the news coverage area.

The judge will issue an order on whether and where the trial will be moved at a later date.