Wyoming Developer Requests Relocation of Wrongful Death Case

JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) — A Wyoming developer wants a wrongful death lawsuit moved to a different location due to media coverage about him.

The Jackson Hole News & Guide reports Jamie Mackay says he cannot receive a fair trial in Teton County.

Mackay's attorney filed a motion for transfer of trial July 29, which says media coverage of him has been extensive and prejudiced.

The motion calls Mackay a "well-known public figure" who has been the subject of 36 News & Guide articles over 12 years.

A plaintiffs' response says Mackay's claims do not prove community members cannot be impartial.

Victoriano Garcia-Perez and Juan Baez-Sanchez suffocated in a collapsed work trench in September 2018.

The lawsuit says the developer was negligent by not providing proper safeguards, while Mackay says he is not liable.