Attorneys for the man accused of killing an Iowa State Patrol Trooper during a standoff in Grundy Center have asked for the trial to be moved out of Grundy County, according to KWWL. The attorneys for 41 year old Michael Lang say that due to the media coverage surrounding the case, the trial should be moved to another location. They also have asked the court to separate an assault charge that is related to a traffic stop from the rest of the charges. Lang was charged with First Degree Murder, Attempt to Commit Murder, and Assault on a Peace Officer. He is accused of assaulting an officer and fleeing a traffic stop on April 9th and barricading himself inside his home. When four Iowa State Patrol Troopers, including Sergeant Jim Smith, entered the residence Lang opened fire, killing Smith. An armored vehicle was used to gain entry to the home leading to more gunfire. Lang was struck multiple times and taken to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. He was transported to the Black Hawk County Jail on April 21st. A hearing in the case is scheduled for January 19th.
