Attorneys Want Change of Venue in Britt Murder Trial

A formal request is expected Monday for a change of venue in the murder trial of a Cary man accused of killing his wife nearly three years ago in Lumberton.

Attorneys for Myron Britt want the trial to be moved out of Robeson County because of the attention the case has received.

Britt went to trial last June to face first-degree murder charges in connection with the August 2003 shooting death of his wife, Nancy Britt, but a judge declared a mistrial because the jury was deadlocked 11-1 in favor of a conviction.

Prosecutors argued that Myron Britt was in financial trouble and wanted to collect on his wife's $800,000 life insurance policy. Defense attorneys argued that the couple was happy and that their client had no motive to kill his wife.

The Robeson County District Attorney's Office said Friday that the change of venue motion is one of several that could be addressed in an administrative hearing on Monday.

Another motion that will be heard involves one of Britt's court-appointed defense attorneys' request to be removed from the case. If the judge grants that motion, no other motions will be heard and the case will be significantly delayed, the district attorney's office said.

A new trial date has not been set. If convicted, Britt could face the death penalty.