Kendrick Filed Motion to Move Murder Trial
The defendant requested a change of venue, citing concerns over media coverage in Montgomery County.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Criminal Justice
Michael Kendrick has filed a motion in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court seeking to move his murder trial. He argued that extensive media coverage has made it impossible to impanel a fair and impartial jury.
Why it matters
The change of venue request underscores the difficulty of maintaining a neutral jury pool in high-profile cases where intense local media attention has occurred. The motion aims to ensure the defendant receives a constitutional right to a fair trial.
Michael Kendrick remains in jail while facing charges of Murder, Tampering with Evidence, Gross Abuse of a Corpse, and Endangering Children. A final pretrial hearing is scheduled for October 20.
The players
Michael Kendrick
He is the defendant currently held in jail while facing charges of murder and child endangerment.
Hershall Creachbaum
He was a 7-year-old victim whose body was found near a local bridge.
Ashley Johnson
She is a 39-year-old individual facing charges related to the same criminal case.
Montgomery County Common Pleas Court
This is the judicial body overseeing the criminal proceedings and the pending motions for the case.
The details
The case involves the death of 7-year-old Hershall Creachbaum, whose body was discovered near the McClure Street bridge in July 2025. Both the defense and prosecution have agreed to a court-ordered hold on the release of the remains.
Timeline
Hershall Creachbaum's body was discovered in July 2025.
Michael Kendrick filed the change of venue motion on October 12, 2026.
The final pretrial hearing is scheduled for October 20, 2026.
Legal Context
This case follows a pattern set by the Sixth Amendment right to an impartial jury, which courts must protect when pre-trial publicity threatens fair outcomes.
The legal proceedings are currently concentrated at the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, affecting court schedules and administrative operations. Residents may observe increased activity or potential road impacts near the courthouse during scheduled hearing dates.
The takeaway
Defendants have legal mechanisms available to seek a neutral environment if they believe local media influence prevents a fair trial. Legal teams must balance these requests against the procedural timeline set by the court to ensure justice is served efficiently.
What happens next
The final pretrial hearing for the case is scheduled for October 20, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on legal developments, visit the Criminal Justice section.
