Executive Summary
- Former Trooper Shane Roper faces manslaughter charges for a 2024 crash that killed 18-year-old Olivia Flores.
- Defense attorneys argue that extensive media coverage has made it impossible to find an impartial jury in Olmsted County.
- A trial consultant testified that over half of surveyed residents already believe Roper is guilty.
- Judge Lisa Hayne has delayed the trial and will rule on the venue change request by March 20.
ROCHESTER, Minn. — A Minnesota district court judge has delayed the upcoming trial of former State Trooper Shane Roper, who faces manslaughter charges related to a fatal 2024 collision, to determine if the proceedings should be moved to a different county to ensure an impartial jury. The decision postpones the trial, which was tentatively scheduled to begin on March 2, as the court evaluates defense claims regarding prejudicial pretrial publicity.
Roper, 33, appeared in Olmsted County District Court on Thursday for a motions hearing regarding the charges, which include second-degree manslaughter, criminal vehicular homicide, and criminal vehicular operation. The charges stem from a May 18, 2024, incident where Roper’s Minnesota State Patrol squad car struck a Ford Focus near the Apache Mall in Rochester, resulting in the death of 18-year-old passenger Olivia Flores.
During the hearing, the defense presented testimony arguing that extensive media coverage has tainted the local jury pool. Bryan Edelman, a trial consultant, testified that surveys of approximately 300 local residents indicated that more than half of the respondents viewed Roper as likely guilty. Edelman argued that public knowledge of specific case details—including allegations that Roper was traveling over 80 mph before the crash and had prior driving infractions—would make it impossible to seat an unbiased panel.
“You would have a hard time changing that and that’s the crux of the problem,” Edelman told the court, describing the press coverage as “sensational.” He asserted that questioning prospective jurors about their knowledge of these facts during voir dire would present a “no-win scenario” that could further poison the jury panel.
Assistant Olmsted County Attorney Michael DeBolt countered the defense’s position, stating that press coverage of the case has been factually accurate. DeBolt argued that the standard jury selection process would allow attorneys to adequately question jurors about their knowledge and ability to remain impartial.
District Court Judge Lisa Hayne acknowledged the arguments and instructed attorneys to submit final written arguments by February 19. She indicated she would issue a ruling on the venue change by March 20, well past the original trial start date. Attorneys have discussed Dakota County and Winona County as potential alternative venues should the motion be granted.
Procedural Implications
The court’s upcoming ruling on the change of venue addresses the fundamental constitutional guarantee of a fair trial by an impartial jury. In high-profile cases involving law enforcement and fatalities, distinguishing between general public knowledge and disqualifying bias is a complex legal standard. Moving the trial would signal a judicial determination that the community impact of the event is too profound to allow for objective deliberation within Olmsted County. It is important to note that all individuals, including former Trooper Roper, are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
