Change of Venue Motion Delays Trial of Former Trooper Shane Roper
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - An Olmsted County judge heard arguments today on a request to move the trial of former State Trooper Shane Roper away from Rochester.
The defense attorney for the 33-year-old Hayfield man argued that extensive media coverage of the case would prevent the seating of an impartial jury in Olmsted County. Roper is charged with second-degree manslaughter, criminal vehicular homicide, criminal vehicular operation, and reckless driving in connection with the death of Owatonna teenager Olivia Flores.
Deadly Collision
The 18-year-old woman was a passenger in a vehicle that collided with a State Patrol squad car at the entrance to Apache Mall in Rochester on May 18, 2024. Roper is accused of causing the fatal collision by speeding at more than 80 mph in the law enforcement vehicle without emergency lights activated.
READ MORE: Former State Trooper Loses Bid to Dismiss Charges for Fatal Crash
Trial Postponed
His request for a change of venue has been taken under advisement. Roper’s trial had been scheduled to begin during the first week of March. It has now been postponed while his request to move the proceedings out of Olmsted County is being considered.
Civil Lawsuit
The family of the young woman who perished in the crash has filed a wrongful death civil lawsuit in federal court against Roper. The lawsuit seeks monetary compensation for damages suffered by her family.
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