Judge expected to move Bisard's crash trial

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH/AP) - A hearing Thursday in Marion County could determine where the trial of IMPD Officer David Bisard’s is likely to be held, and when it’s likely to begin.

Bisard is accused of driving his squad car while drunk in August of 2010, killing Eric Wells, 30, and severely injuring two others. He faces charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, reckless homicide and criminal recklessness.

Judge Grant Hawkins ruled in early December that the case had generated too much publicity for Bisard to get a fair trial in central Indiana. Attorneys on both sides of the case then met with Hawkins to discuss alternate venues, but did not select a final choice.

“When I got off the elevator, five cameras were pointed at me,” Hawkins said at the time of his ruling. “Clearly media interest hasn’t waned in 28 months.”

Hawkins had previously asked Marion County Deputy Prosecutor Denise Robinson and Bisard’s Defense Attorney John Kautzman to submit a list of agreeable counties and judges. That list revealed ten judges and six counties, Hawkins said. Of those, three judges and three counties were selected.

Robinson said the two sides were instructed not to reveal the potential locations, but that they were both North and South of Central Indiana. She expected the court to select a final venue at Thursday’s hearing.

A decision could also be made at Thursday’s hearing on which judge will preside over the case. Hawkins could continue on the case in another county, but an alternate judge is also a possibility, Robinson said.
The case has undergone a series of delays over admission of blood tests which showed Bisard had a blood-alcohol level more than twice the legal limit.

If convicted, Bisard could face 20 or more years in prison.