Irvin v. Dowd

Irvin (defendant), suspected in a series of highly publicized murders, was the subject of prosecution press releases claiming he had confessed, and intense local media coverage detailed his criminal record and even plea negotiations before trial. Although one venue change was granted, later requests for further changes and continuances were denied under state law limiting a defendant to one venue change, and at jury selection ninety percent of prospective jurors admitted believing Irvin was guilty, with 268 excused for fixed opinions of guilt; Irvin was convicted and sentenced to death, then sought habeas relief claiming the pretrial publicity denied him a fair trial.