Nodine trial moved to Houston County

BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. (WALA) - Baldwin County officials said the trial for former Mobile County Commissioner Steve Nodine has been moved to Dothan in Houston County, Ala.

Judge Charles Partin announced the order Wednesday afternoon. The order also states the trial with begin September 10, 2012.

Special Prosecutor David Whetstone said he is not happy about the move, but saw it coming.

“The law of Alabama requires to try it (a trial) in the county where the crime occurred unless a fair trial cannot be obtained, and it has to be moved to the first county free of prejudice,” said Whetstone.

The announcement comes just a few weeks after Nodine’s attorney filed a motion to have the trial moved.

Nodine’s defense team asked to move the trial last month, arguing that all the publicity surrounding the case makes it nearly impossible to find an impartial jury.

“It's an interesting case as far as media is concerned,” said Defense Attorney Pascal Bruijn. “He is a former county commissioner. He is in the public eye.  And I don't fault anyone for it, but it's a distraction from the issues at trial.”

Nodine is accused of killing his longtime mistress Angel Downs . Her body was found in the driveway of her Gulf Shores home in May 2010.

A mistrial was declared on murder and stalking charges against Nodine in December of that year.

Judge Charles Partin heard more than five hours of testimony regarding the murder case against former Mobile County Commissioner Steve Nodine.

Whetstone tells FOX10 News, with this change in venue, he will have to change up his game plan.

“I will have to educate a jury as to what Baldwin County looks like,” said Whetstone. “Part of the evidence is going to be what happened after the shooting took place and how quickly he got from Fort Morgan to Fairhope, Alabama.”