Suspects in boy's murder want change of venue

By KBCI Web Staff

Story

Summary

Treasure Valley couple is charged with first degree murder in the death of 8-year-old Robert Manwill, whose disappearance and killing drew national media attention.

Story Published: Nov 5, 2009 at 2:34 PM PST

Story Updated: Nov 5, 2009 at 2:34 PM PST

Suspects in boy's murder want change of venue

Melissa Jenkins, left, and Daniel Ehrlick.

BOISE - Lawyers for Melissa Jenkins and Daniel Ehrlick said Thursday that they plan to file motion to change venues.

Robert Manwill

The Treasure Valley couple is charged with first degree murder in the death of 8-year-old Robert Manwill, whose disappearance and killing drew national media attention. The boy was reported missing July 24, prompting an intense community-wide search.

His body was found in the New York Canal near Kuna about two weeks later.

An Ada County grand jury indictment says the boy was tortured, beaten repeatedly and ultimately killed by Ehrlick.

It was also revealed in court Thursday that the defense is asking that the case be separated between the two suspects.

A hearing will be held Dec. 10 to go over the change of venue motion.

In October, Greg Bower, Ada County prosecutor, announced that the prosecution would not seek the death penalty against Jenkins and Ehrlick.