Judge Kelly Brooks has granted a change of venue for Jeffrey Harper’s trial in connection with the death of Vann Brown, 39, who lost his life during an altercation at a wedding party at Harper’s house on January 1, 2020, in Ambrose.
Harper’s attorneys had petitioned the court for a change of venue because his legal team did not believe an impartial jury could be found in Coffee County due to extensive news coverage and social media commentary regarding the case. The change of venue hearing was initially scheduled for early December but had to be postponed. Judge Brooks agreed with Harper’s attorneys and granted the change of venue.
Harper is one of three people charged with murder in connection with Brown’s death. Justin Anderson was tried and acquitted of murder and aggravated assault in November of 2022 but found guilty of tampering with evidence and making false statements to police officers. He was sentenced to 18 months confinement. His brother, Jason Anderson, was scheduled to go to trial on similar charges in July of 2023 but his trial was postponed due to allegations of jury tampering. A new trial date for Anderson has not been set.
The next step in the process for Harper’s case is to find a county in which to hold the trial. That will be decided at a later date.