MANKATO — A man accused of a 2023 murder in Winona will face an October jury trial in Blue Earth County, after a judge moved venues to “ensure the impartiality required for a fair trial.”
Adam Taylor Fravel, 30, of Mabel, was charged with two felonies for second-degree murder in Winona County District Court.
A criminal complaint alleges Fravel killed Madeline Jane Kingsbury, 26, who was his significant other, in March 2023.
Fravel reportedly told police he hadn’t heard from Kingsbury since the morning of March 31, the day she disappeared. He said she was supposed to pick up their children from daycare after work and hadn’t, according to the complaint.
The daycare provider confirmed both Fravel and Kingsbury were there in the morning to drop off their children, while Fravel was alone when he picked them up later.
A Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office deputy located Kingsbury’s remains on June 7 in a culvert near Fravel’s parents’ residence between Choice and Mabel, Minnesota. A medical examiner determined her death was the result of homicidal violence.
The decision to move the trial to Blue Earth County came Wednesday, according to court records. Along with the need for impartiality, Winona County Judge Nancy Buytendorp cited Blue Earth County being well-suited to accommodate the case.
Fravel’s attorney filed a motion to change the venue in January, arguing that local media coverage was prejudicial and social media groups with large followings made for a high likelihood of an unfair trial in Winona County.
The jury trial is set to begin Oct. 7 and wrap up on Nov. 1.