Attorneys Seek Venue Change, File Insanity Defense in Dylan Smith Case
- Nathan Springfield
- Sep 17
- 1 min read
VINCENNES, Ind. (We Are Knox County) - Attorneys for Dylan Smith have filed a motion requesting his trial be moved out of Knox County.
The motion, filed September 12 by defense attorney Brock Dawson, argues that widespread news coverage, community memorials, and the victim’s family connection to a sitting county judge make it unlikely an impartial jury could be selected locally.
“Accordingly, there exists a substantial likelihood of prejudice preventing Mr. Smith from receiving a fair trial in Knox County,” the filing states.
The defense is asking for the case to be transferred to a non-contiguous county.
On the same day, the defense also filed notice that it intends to raise an insanity defense.
Smith was arrested on August 5 and charged with murder.
According to police, Smith allegedly shot 30-year-old Taylor Hendershot in the parking lot of Cardinal Liquor in Vincennes before barricading himself in a nearby residence for several hours.
Smith appeared in court for an initial hearing on August 6 and pleaded not guilty.
A jury trial is currently scheduled for November 4 at 8:30 a.m. in Knox County, though that could change depending on how the court rules on the defense motions.
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