Auburn tree-poisoning trial locale could move

OPELIKA, Ala. (AP) -- Prosecutors are asking a judge to find a new location for the trial of a University of Alabama fan charged with poisoning Auburn University's oak trees at Toomer's Corner.

Lee County District Attorney Robert Treese made the request in a document made public Tuesday in the case of Harvey Updyke.

The prosecutor asked the judge Monday to find a new site for the trial, now set for April 8.

The defense argues the trial needs to be held elsewhere because of extensive media coverage in the Auburn area.

Updyke has pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect to charges that include desecrating a venerable object. He is accused of poisoning the Toomer's Corner oak trees during Auburn's run to the national championship in the 2010 football season.