Dyer seeks change of venue

The defendant in a first-degree homicide case is seeking a change in venue, and judges, according to motions filed in Price County Circuit Court.

Christopher Dyer, 50, is being held at Price County Jail on $1 million bond for a charge of first degree intentional homicide for the shooting death of Denise Schwarz in Park Falls on April 13. Dyer waived his right to a preliminary hearing at an Aug. 29 hearing and is now bound over for jury trial.

Represented by court-appointed attorneys Jessica Fehrenbach and Brady Loos, Dyer filed a motion for change of venue on Aug. 29. The motion states that the seriousness of the charges and widespread media attention has prejudiced the case and the ability for the defendant to have a fair trial.

The motion lists several broadcast and print media in the region to include the Price County Review in reporting on past civil and criminal cases involving Dyer, along past relationships that resulted in court cases.

The motion for recusal of Price County Judge Mark Fuhr, stated that Fuhr was acting as an assistant district attorney for Price County prior to his winning the open seat of retired Price County Circuit Court Judge Kevin Klein in the spring election.

A hearing on the motions is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Nov. 11 in Price County Circuit Court.