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

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

Sheangshang’s lawyers argue he cannot get a fair trial in the massive Scott County case.

Sheangshang appeared at the hearing virtually from prison and did not speak during the hearing.

Location analyst Thomas Beisecker said he surveyed more than 250 people in both Scott and Jefferson counties and asked them what they knew about the case and their thoughts on it.

Beisecker said 90% of those surveyed in Scott County had knowledge that Sheangshang was charged in Deputy Conley’s death. He also stated that 84% said Sheanshang was probably guilty.

The percentages in Jefferson County are significantly lower, Beisecker said.

Prosecutors argued the survey was flawed because some questions were skewed to support the defense’s case.

While the defense asked for the trial to be moved to Jefferson County because of its larger population, the judge in the case suggested Shelby County because it was outside of news coverage.

The judge will later decide whether and where the hearing will be moved.