Trial for man accused of killing kids to stay in St. Croix Co.

Judge denied defense’s request for change of venue

Published On: Jan 17 2013 02:00:28 PM CST   Updated On: Jan 17 2013 02:03:46 PM CST
Aaron Schaffhausen river falls girls deaths
MADISON, Wis. -

A judge won't move the trial for a North Dakota construction worker accused of killing his daughters out of St. Croix County.

Aaron Schaffhausen's public defender, John Kucinski, had asked Judge Howard Cameron for a change of venue. Cameron denied the request on Thursday. The judge said he believed a fair and impartial jury could be drawn from within the county.

Schaffhausen faces three counts of first-degree intentional homicide and one count of attempted arson in connection with the deaths of his daughters, 11-year-old Amara, 8-year-old Sophie and 5-year-old Cecilia. Police in July discovered all three girls tucked into their beds in their River Falls home with their throats slit.

Schaffhausen has pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect. His trial is set for April.

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