By Alabama Public Radio
Athens, AL – A Limestone County judge will schedule a change of venue hearing for a north Alabama man accused of killing two Athens police officers. Farron Barksdale faces five capital murder counts for killing Sergeant Larry Russell and officer Tony Mims in January 2004. He has pleaded innocent by reason of mental disease or defect. Barksdale's attorneys asked the judge to move his upcoming trial to another county. Limestone County District Attorney Kristi Valls says she will oppose the change of venue.