The trial of Anthony and Marsha Springer on charges stemming from the death of their daughter early last year will be held in Kalamazoo County, beginning in late January.

That was the determination announced by St. Joseph County Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman during a 15-minute hearing on the change of venue issue Friday afternoon (November 13th) in Centreville.

The decision followed two days of court activity in late October that failed to seat a jury in St. Joseph County and led Stutesman to grant a motion to change the venue for the trial.

Stutesman said, “I’ve decided that we will try the case in Kalamazoo County.  It will begin the last week of January – January 26th – Tuesday to Friday, the following Tuesday to Friday, and the following Tuesday to Friday after that, which are the first two weeks of February.”

During Friday’s hearing, Stutesman reviewed the recent jury selection process and his subsequent contacts with courts in neighboring counties to find an alternate location for the trial.  Regarding the inability to seat a jury in St. Joseph County, he said, “It just may have been that this county was too close to the incident.”

Stutesman noted that the fire in which 16-year-old Calista Springer died while chained to her bed occurred in the family home across the street from the courthouse.  He mentioned that many people knew the Springers, knew friends of the Springers, or had worked with them, and he said those factors “all came into play.”

Stutesman said, “The number of people that indicated the media alone influenced them was rather small.  Those that did indicate that information they received from the media also indicated that they understood the media sometimes does not provide the entire information and that they would keep an open mind.”

Regarding the Kalamazoo County venue for the trial, Stutesman said, “It will accommodate our 60-plus witnesses, a short drive up the highway.  It’s far easier than driving to Paw Paw or Jackson.  The time frame – sooner is always better than later – and, if we are unable to pick a jury in Kalamazoo County, which I can’t believe that we’d have difficulty doing it there, then the other court dates that are later available in the year will still be available.”

For the record, Victor Bland, the attorney representing Marsha Springer, said, “I do have serious concerns about trying the case in Kalamazoo County,” calling it “media central for the case.”  John Bush, the attorney for Anthony Springer, agreed with Bland’s reservations, but said, “I truly hope we can select a jury in Kalamazoo” and indicated that “we will do our best.”

St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough said that initially, he, too, had some of the same concerns about holding the trial in Kalamazoo County.  However, he talked with Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Fink, and, said, “He did not feel that there would be any problem picking a jury there. “ McDonough added, “I think that Kalamazoo County in January is a good place.  I think we’ll be able to get a jury.  I agree with your decision.”

In his remarks, Stutesman noted that – with the alternate venue – only the location and jury pool change.  He said, “We all travel with the case. The only thing that changes is the jury pool and the area where the trial will be heard.  I will be the judge.  Mr. McDonough and Ms. Hahn will be the prosecutors.  Mr. Bland and Mr. Bush will be the defense attorneys.”

Anthony and Marsha Springer are charged with Felony Murder, Torture and Child Abuse in the First Degree in the death of their daughter on February 27, 2008.

Felony Murder and Torture both carry penalties of up to life in prison while the Child Abuse in the First Degree charge is a 15-year felony.

The Springers entered “not guilty” pleas to the charges and have remained free on $10,000 personal recognizance bonds as the legal process advances.  Both were in the courtroom for Friday’s change of venue hearing.