The attorney for accused wife beater Benji Delgrande will seek a change of venue on the grounds that his client cannot get a fair trial in Ely.
“I think it is pretty obvious that emotions are running high in Ely,” said Alex Ghibaudo, Delgrande’s lawyer. “The press coverage alone is inflammatory and Ely is a small rural community. I think it would be very difficult to find a jury who have not heard about this case or formed an opinion.”
The story has drawn immense attention from Ely and the rest of White Pine County. Since the story first broke in July it has generated about 30,000 page views on the High Desert Advocate website alone.
“The story is being intensely followed not only from Ely but all parts of White Pine, Elko and Eureka counties, as well as the rest of Nevada and rural Utah,” said High Desert Advocate publisher Howard Copelan.
The major reason for the interest may be due to Delgrande’s alleged victim Shannan Breitrick’s position in the community. The long time UPS driver Breitrick is known and well liked to virtually everyone in the community.
“She drove and delivered in Ely and all the rural routes,” said one resident. “She is just a wonderful person. Even during blizzards she brought us all our Christmas presents,” said one resident.
That kind of notoriety could very well make Ghibaudo’s case. Even if change of venue motions are rarely granted, all the las Vegas attorney has to ask is that everyone who received a package from Shannan Breitrick to please raise their hands. It would not be a stretch of the imagination that the only one in the courtroom with his hands down would be Ghibaudo.
Delgrande first date with justice will be September 17, according to justice court files.
Charged with the brutal beating and attempted murder of his ex-wife Shannan Breitrick, he evaded arrest for about a month before being captured in Ephraim, Utah.
Because of its proximity and isolation, detectives speculate that Delgrande had help either getting to and/or staying in Ephraim while he was evading capture. According to sources, police are looking for the person or persons who helped Delgrande.
The White Pine Sheriff’s press release issued when Delgrande was on the run asked for help to locate Delgrande but warned “anyone who is harboring Delgrande or assisting him in evading law enforcement will be prosecuted according to the laws of the State of Nevada.”
As the case goes on the flame, wars on the Advocate’s web page are expected to go on and even get hotter.
