Supreme Court Hears Appeal Of Convicted Cop Killer

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minnesota Supreme court heard oral arguments on Tuesday in the appeal for convicted cop killer Brian Fitch.

Fitch was convicted in the shooting death of Mendota Heights Police Officer Scott Patrick in West St. Paul. Patrick was shot and killed during a traffic stop on July 30, 2014. Fitch was convicted of first-degree murder as well as three counts each of attempted murder and assault stemming from a shootout with officers during his arrest.

The justices heard the appeal for the murder conviction from Fitch's lawyer. She wants Fitch's convictions reversed and dates set for new trials. Attorney Melissa Sheridan says her client's constitutional rights were violated when a multi-county grand jury was used during his trail.

Sheridan believes Fitch should have been tried in Ramsey County for attempted murder charges against officers and in a different county for the killing of Officer Patrick.

"The court has the option to say if it's not a structural error that the remedy would be a new trial in Ramsey County on the three charges," Sheridan said.

Prosecutors argue that Fitch requested a change in venue. That's why he was tried in Stearns County for the murder of Officer Patrick.

There is no deadline as to when the court must issue its opinions, but on average they are filed a little more than four months after arguments are heard.