Change of Venue Granted In Trial of Man Accused in the Death

A change of venue has been granted for the trial of a Missouri man accused in the death of a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper.

Serghei Pavel Comerzan of Mexico, Missouri, has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and other charges for an August 2015 chase that resulted in the death of trooper James Bava.

Bava wrecked his patrol car after observing a motorcyclist commit a traffic violation and giving chase. Authorities say Comerzan was traveling at 105 mph when Bava tried to stop him in Audrain County.

The Columbia Daily Tribune reports the venue change from Audrain County to St. Charles County was ordered Tuesday.