Defense Seeks Change of Venue in Upcoming Tuscaloosa Murder Trial

Attorneys argue recent social media activity and public commentary have created a 'toxic venue' for fair proceedings.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:34pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single .357 revolver bullet casing against a pitch-black background, capturing the stark, gritty details of the object in a way that evokes the investigative nature of the crime.As tensions escalate over the 2020 Tuscaloosa murder case, a single piece of physical evidence becomes the focus of intense scrutiny.Tuscaloosa Today

Defense attorneys for Zachary Profozich, who is charged with the 2020 murder of an Indiana University student in Tuscaloosa, have filed a motion requesting the trial be moved to a new venue. The attorneys argue that recent social media activity and public commentary have created a 'toxic venue' that could impact the jury pool and subject jurors to outside pressure.

Why it matters

This case has drawn significant attention in the Tuscaloosa community, with allegations of bias and corruption in the legal process. The defense's request for a change of venue highlights the challenges in ensuring a fair trial when a case has become the subject of intense public scrutiny and debate.

The details

In a motion filed on Thursday, defense attorneys for Zachary Profozich argued that recent developments, including social media activity and public commentary, have created a 'toxic venue' for the trial proceedings. Profozich is charged with the 2020 murder of 19-year-old Schuyler Bradley, an Indiana University student, in downtown Tuscaloosa. The defense also requested that the court issue a gag order to limit pretrial publicity. The motion cites social media posts and comments from community members and local figures, including the victim's mother and the Tuscaloosa NAACP President, that the defense claims could influence potential jurors. The defense also raised concerns about the safety of their team, citing the involvement of an individual they describe as a 'documented harasser' who has allegedly made threats against the defense counsel.

  • On Thursday, the defense filed a motion requesting a change of venue for the upcoming trial.
  • Profozich is scheduled to stand trial in May following the reassignment of the case to a new judge.

The players

Zachary Profozich

A California man charged with the 2020 murder of an Indiana University student in Tuscaloosa.

Schuyler Bradley

A 19-year-old Indiana University student who was fatally shot in downtown Tuscaloosa in 2020.

Mary Turner

One of the defense attorneys representing Zachary Profozich.

Joel Sogol

One of the defense attorneys representing Zachary Profozich.

J. Stephen Salter

One of the defense attorneys representing Zachary Profozich.

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What they’re saying

“The narrative of a 'money-driven cover-up' involving 'white privilege' is now pervasive in the local community.”

— Defense Attorneys

“The contamination of the Tuscaloosa County jury pool is an ongoing, active process.”

— Defense Attorneys

What’s next

Rulings on the defense's motions for a change of venue and a gag order remain pending.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges in ensuring a fair trial when a high-profile criminal case has become the subject of intense public scrutiny and debate. The defense's request for a change of venue underscores the need to balance the rights of the accused with the interests of the community.