Darrell Brooks changes plea to not guilty by reason of mental disease, judge denies change of venue for trial

WAUKESHA COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A Waukesha County judge on Monday, June 20, denied a change of venue for the trial of Darrell Brooks, the man accused of running his car through the Waukesha Christmas Parade.

Judge Jennifer Dorow says the defense failed to prove there is any actual prejudice or bias for potential jurors in Waukesha County. She is allowing the court to move forward with jury selection, giving both parties unlimited strikes for cause. 

The court, state and defense reviewed questionnaire responses for bias and prejudice.

Both sides have different opinions on what makes a juror admissible.

The defense believes the responses show that a fair trial could not happen using jurors from Waukesha.

The state found there were more than enough fair and unbiased responses.

Dorow took many different factors into account, like publicity of the case and population of Waukesha County.

"It is clear to this court that a change in venue is not required. This court is committed to ensuring the rights of Mr. Brooks to a fair trial and an impartial jury are protected," Judge Dorow said. 

Two days in August are set aside in august to review the questionnaires. At that time, both sides will be able to strike jurors for cause. Dorow says the goal is to sit 16 jurors.

Ultimately, 12 will decide the case. Similar to the Kyle Rittenhouse trial, jurors will be sequestered in a modified way -- meaning they will be brought to and from the courthouse from an undisclosed location.

Brooks changed his plea to not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.