Former coal chief seeks more time to review TV reports
BECKLEY, W.Va. (AP) – Lawyers for a former West Virginia coal executive charged a 2010 mine explosion that killed 29 men want more time to review television coverage.
Former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship’s attorneys asked a judge to give them until Feb. 20 to examine the media reports to bolster their argument that the trial should be moved out of southern West Virginia. Currently, pretrial motions are due Friday and Blankenship’s trial on four counts is set for April 20.
The Charleston Gazette reported defense lawyers asked for the extra time in newly unsealed records filed in U.S. District Court in Beckley.
The lawyers said in a previous filing that “relentless, unfair, prejudicial publicity” makes it impossible for Blankenship to get a fair trial in the area.