Shunick Family On Internet Rumors, Possibility of Change in Venue

Posted: Jul 11, 2012 10:38 PM by Jim Hummel
Updated: Jul 11, 2012 10:39 PM

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Shunick Family On Possibility of Change in Venue

The Shunick family is speaking out about on-line rumors of a demonstration outside the Lafayette Parish Courthouse next Wednesday, when Brandon Lavergne goes before a grand jury.

"My family and I and everything from the search efforts would just really appreciate it if people would not go out there or any public venue to protest or speak out against [Lavergne]," said Charlie Shunick.

Should the grand jury indict Lavergne, the Shunicks are hoping the trial would be held here in Lafayette.

"We would like for it to be here, I feel like it's the type of case where a lot of of people know about it but their opinions are still able to be unbiased," she said.

District Attorney Mike Harson also commented on the potential of a change in venue, releasing a statement to KATC which read in part: "I believe that there are more than enough people who in fact do not know enough about this case that they couldn't give a fair trial."

However, with all the publicity surrounding the Shunick case, Lafayette attorney Tommy Guilbeau thinks a change in venue is likely.

"High profile cases like this are rarely tried in the venue that they occur, and I wouldn't be greatly surprised if we did have a change of venue down the line," said Guilbeau.