Tuscaloosa Murder Suspect Seeks Change of Venue Ahead of Trial

Zachary Profozich argues media coverage and community commentary have made Tuscaloosa County 'a toxic venue' for a fair trial.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:23pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single .357 revolver shell casing against a pitch-black background, the harsh lighting creating a stark, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the complexities of this criminal case.A single shell casing from the weapon used in a high-profile Tuscaloosa murder case exposes the stark, gritty realities of the ongoing legal battle.Tuscaloosa Today

A man accused of fatally shooting a football fan near the Strip in Tuscaloosa more than five years ago is requesting a change of venue as his murder trial approaches. Zachary Profozich, now 27, was 22 when he reportedly shot and killed 19-year-old Schuyler Bradley after an argument between their friend groups in October 2020. Profozich's defense attorney is arguing that extensive media coverage and community commentary on the case have made Tuscaloosa County 'a toxic venue' that will not allow for an impartial jury.

Why it matters

This case has drawn significant attention in Tuscaloosa over the past five years, with the victim's family vocal about their long wait for justice. The defense's request for a change of venue highlights the challenges of ensuring a fair trial in high-profile cases that have generated strong community reactions and commentary, especially when issues of race and privilege are perceived to be involved.

The details

Profozich was charged with murder for the 2020 shooting death of Schuyler Bradley, a 19-year-old Indiana University student visiting Tuscaloosa to watch a football game. Profozich told police he thought Bradley was drawing a weapon when he shot him in the abdomen with a .357 revolver. Profozich fled the scene but was later arrested and released on bond, then allowed to move in with his parents in California while awaiting trial. The case has seen multiple judges recuse themselves before being assigned to Circuit Judge Allen May, who has set the trial for May 11, 2026. Now, as that date approaches, Profozich's defense attorney is seeking to change the trial venue, arguing that extensive media coverage and community commentary have made Tuscaloosa County 'a toxic venue' that will not allow for an impartial jury.

  • In October 2020, Zachary Profozich, then 22, allegedly shot and killed Schuyler Bradley, a 19-year-old Indiana University student, near the Strip in Tuscaloosa.
  • Profozich was charged with murder but released on bond and allowed to move in with his parents in California while awaiting trial, which has been delayed for over five years.
  • The trial is currently scheduled to begin on May 11, 2026 before Circuit Judge Allen May.

The players

Zachary Profozich

A 27-year-old man accused of fatally shooting Schuyler Bradley in Tuscaloosa in 2020.

Schuyler Bradley

A 19-year-old Indiana University student who was visiting Tuscaloosa to watch a football game when he was shot and killed in 2020.

Mary Turner

The lead defense attorney for Zachary Profozich, who is seeking a change of venue for the upcoming trial.

Daphne Groff

The mother of victim Schuyler Bradley, who has been vocal about her long wait for justice in the case.

Lisa Young

The President of the Tuscaloosa Chapter of the NAACP, who has commented on social media about the case.

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What they’re saying

“The Defendant asserts that the cumulative effect of this toxicity has rendered Tuscaloosa County a toxic venue. A fair trial by an impartial jury, free from fear of reprisal or bias, is no longer possible in this jurisdiction.”

— Mary Turner, Lead Defense Attorney for Zachary Profozich

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

— Mary Turner, Lead Defense Attorney for Zachary Profozich

What’s next

Judge Allen May has scheduled a pre-trial hearing on May 7, 2026 to discuss the motion for a change of venue and other pending motions before the trial is set to begin on May 11.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of ensuring a fair trial in high-profile criminal cases that have generated significant media attention and strong community reactions, especially when issues of race and privilege are perceived to be involved. The defense's request for a change of venue underscores the need for a balanced and impartial judicial process, even in the face of vocal public commentary.