Video: Boykin’s Attorneys File Change Of Venue Motion

Canyon Boykin

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Canyon Boykin’s legal team files for a change of venue in his criminal trial.

In court documents, the former Columbus police officer’s attorneys say the case has been “overly publicized” and in a “false, negative light.”

The motion cites stories in the media, comments on social media, and websites.

Lowndes County Sheriff Mike Arledge and former sheriff Wayne Beard wrote in an affidavit they believed Boykin could not receive a fair trial in the county.

Boykin’s attorneys also claim he was yelled at by person in a grocery story parking lot, saying Boykin would get what he deserved.

Included in the documents are reports that someone from Ricky Ball’s family approached and followed Boykin.

The former officer was indicted for manslaughter in the October 16, 2015 shooting death of Ball, which occurred while Boykin was a Columbus police officer.