FORT DODGE, Iowa – The murder trial of a Webster County woman was set to begin Tuesday morning, but now it's being delayed and moved out of the county.
WHO Channel 13 reports the judge in Mackenzie Knigge’s murder trial approved a change of venue after determining Knigge could not get a fair trial in Webster County. The judge made that decision after questionnaires filled out by potential jurors revealed many of them had already formed an opinion about the case.
The judge now says the trial will be held in Story County on June 10th, 2019.
Knigge is charged with first degree murder in the death of 26-year-old Jessica Gomez. Gomez’ burned body was found in a field near Clare on August 12th of 2017.
Police say Knigge and Phillip Williams murdered Gomez at Knigge’s apartment in Clare in the early morning hours of August 5th. Authorities say the two purchased numerous items from the Walmart in Fort Dodge after the murder to cover up the crime.
Investigators say Knigge and Gomez were friends, and both were having a relationship with Williams.
Williams’ trial is still scheduled for March 5th, 2019.