Madeline Kingsbury case: Location of Adam Fravel murder trial set

BLUE EARTH CO., Minnesota (FOX 9) – A venue has been set for the trial of Adam Fravel, who is accused of murdering Madeline Kingsbury in June 2023 after her body was found.

What we know

A Winona County judge has granted Fravel's request to move his murder trial in the Madeline Kingsbury case out of Winona County.

A court filing states: “After careful consideration, the Court concludes that Blue Earth County is best positioned to provide the impartiality required for a fair trial and is well suited to take on this case in Winona County.”

Fravel is charged with first-degree murder in connection with Kingsbury's death after a months-long search. Fravel was arrested hours after the discovery and arraigned two days later, on June 9, 2023.

Judge Nancy Buytendorp had previously granted Fravel's request to change the venue, citing pretrial publicity and community involvement in the case as reasons for moving the case out of Winona County, court documents show.

READ MORE: Timeline of the disappearance of Madeline Kingsbury

“Given the extensive pretrial publicity and the significant involvement of the community of Winona in this case, a change of venue is warranted. Defendant's motion for such a change is hereby granted,” Buytendrop wrote in her motion. “It is obvious to this court that a fair trial cannot be assured in this district.”

In January, Fravel's lawyers filed motions to dismiss the case and move the trial.

In May briefings, Fravel’s legal team said it commissioned a survey that showed that the vast majority of Winona County residents (89%) were aware of the case and that 74% of that group “had formed the opinion that [Fravel] caused the death of Madeline Kingsbury.”

In response, prosecutors pointed to the verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd – which was not moved out of Hennepin County.

A look into the future

According to court records, pretrial hearings will be held at the Winona County Courthouse beginning September 3, 2024.