Accused triple killer Andres Avalos wants trial moved out of Bradenton

Andres “Andy” Avalos Jr.’s defense attorney will argue next month his murder trial should be moved because of the media attention the case has drawn.

Avalos, 35, is charged with three counts of first-degree murder in the Dec. 4, 2014, slayings of his wife, Amber Avalos; neighbor, Denise Potter; and the Rev. James “Tripp” Battle. He is set to stand trial beginning Oct. 17.

If convicted, prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty — which the defense is still contesting. Circuit Court Judge Diana Moreland has heard arguments and is expected to issue a written ruling.

On Wednesday morning, Avalos appeared before Moreland as attorneys updated her on case status. Assistant State Attorney Art Brown and Assistant Regional Counsel Andrew Crawford agreed the case is on track to go to trial in October.

Moreland set a hearing for 2:30 p.m. June 13 when the defense will argue for the trial venue to be changed.

On Dec. 4, 2014, detectives said Avalos hung his wife from a cord in the laundry room of their Northwest Bradenton home, beat her and then shot her. Afterward, they say he shot and killed Potter, who had been visiting their home at the time.

After killing the women, investigators say Avalos dropped his then-4-year-old son off at day care, drove to the Walmart Supercenter on State Road 64 East, left his vehicle and took a taxi to Bayshore Baptist Church, 6502 14th St. W., where investigators and witnesses say he shot and killed Battle.

Avalos was arrested Dec. 6, 2014, after a 51-hour manhunt led by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, and a public plea from his father to turn himself in for the sake of his six children.

Brown has previously said in open court Avalos admitted to all three slayings during an interview with detectives after his arrest.

Avalos also faces an attempted murder charge after deputies at the Manatee County jail say he attacked fellow inmate, Jesse "Green Eyes" Cruz, with sharpened toothbrushes last December. That case also is set for trial in October.

This story was originally published May 18, 2016 at 11:32 AM with the headline "Accused triple killer Andres Avalos wants trial moved out of Bradenton."