(JTA) — The trial of Levi Aron, the Brooklyn man accused of killing 8-year-old Leiby Kletzky, will stay in Brooklyn, an appeals court ruled.
Lawyers for Aron had asked the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court to move his trial out of the borough over fears that the extensive media attention would prejudice jurors, but the ruling said the trial should not be moved to the suggested Suffolk County in suburban Long Island or to Bronx County.
The Brooklyn District Attorney reportedly pointed out that "there are nearly 500,000 people eligible for jury duty in Brooklyn, and that there are far fewer Jews in Suffolk and Bronx counties."
A psychological exam found Aron competent to stand trial, although he has admitted to hearing voices. Aron has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and kidnapping.
Aron, 35, is charged with murdering Leiby near his Brooklyn home. He said he picked up the haredi Orthodox boy in his car when the boy became lost while walking home from camp for the first time and asking for directions. Aron said he panicked after the boy was reported missing.
Parts of Leiby’s dismembered body were found in the freezer of Aron’s apartment.
