Williston Murder Trial Moved to Grand Forks

WILLISTON, N.D. (AP) — A Michigan man accused of fatally stabbing his friend at an oil field crew camp in North Dakota will stand trial in Grand Forks rather than in Williston.

The trial for Ryan Anderson, of Iron River, Mich., also has been rescheduled for late July and early August.

Anderson is charged with murder for the March 2013 stabbing death of Christopher King during an alcohol-fueled dispute at a crew camp between Ray and Tioga, northeast of Williston. He's pleaded not guilty.

Defense attorney Nicole Foster successfully lobbied for a change of venue, arguing that Anderson can't get a fair trial in Williams County because of the extensive news coverage of the case.

The Williston Herald reports Assistant State Attorney Generals Paul Emerson and Jonathan Byers will prosecute the case.