Circuit Judge William M. Pearson on Monday granted a request by lawyers for defendant Gary Dunn to move the capital murder trial to Clarksville because of pre-trial news coverage in the Russellville area.
The 29-year-old Dunn was allegedly linked to the 2005 slaying by DNA evidence after another man was acquitted in a jury trial.
Pearson has delayed ruling on whether Dunn's statements to police should be kept from being admitted at trial.
Dirksmeyer was 19 when she was killed. She was the reigning Miss Petit Jean Valley.
Trial is set for Sept. 29.
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