Change of venue survey still pending for Stillman Valley man accused of killing ex-wife in 2016

OREGON – A survey commissioned by a Rockford defense attorney to determine whether a 2016 murder case should be tried outside of Ogle County is taking longer than expected to complete.

Christopher DeRango, who is representing Duane Meyer, 42, of Stillman Valley, told Ogle County Judge John “Ben” Roe on Thursday that he still is waiting for results from the survey.

“I was disappointed to learn from the company doing the survey that it is not done,” DeRango told Roe.

Meyer is charged with four counts of first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated arson and one count of concealment of a homicidal death in connection with an Oct. 19, 2016, Byron house fire in which Meyer’s ex-wife, Margaret “Maggie” (Rosko) Meyer, 31, was found dead.

The couple’s 3-year-old son, Amos Meyer, who also was home at the time of the fire, was later pronounced dead at a Rockford hospital.

Last month, DeRango told Roe and Ogle County Assistant State’s Attorney Mike Rock that the survey was underway and should be completed in December.

DeRango has yet to file a change of venue motion, which typically asks the judge to move the trial to a different location. Those motions usually cite reasons that the filing party believes would prevent a fair trial in the county in which the case was filed. Pretrial publicity often is listed as a reason for a change of venue motion.

A change of venue survey is one of the tools that can be used by attorneys before filing a motion for a change of venue.

On Thursday, DeRango said the company conducting the survey had to “adjust their methods” because of Ogle County’s size.

“They have adjusted their methods for a smaller county,” DeRango said.

He asked Roe to continue Thursday’s hearing to January.

The jury trial is slated to start Feb. 3 and is expected to take the entire month.

Roe asked whether the delay would affect the February trial date.

“We believe no, your honor,” DeRango replied, adding that he would provide a change of venue motion to prosecutors in January even if the survey was not completed.

Rock did not object to the continuance. Roe set the next hearing for 11:30 a.m. Jan. 10.

Maggie Meyer was a teacher at the Chana Education Center at the time of her death. She filed for divorce in 2014, and court records show that the divorce was finalized in September 2016.

Prosecutors have argued that their evidence will show Duane Meyer planned to end Maggie’s life.

In previous hearings, DeRango and prosecutors have said both numerous cellphone records and data will be part of the evidence presented.

DeRango has argued that text messages sent by Duane Meyer before the deaths were only part of a “contentious” divorce and not indicative of anything nefarious.

Roe remanded Duane Meyer back to the Ogle County Jail, where he has been held since his arrest Oct. 9, 2019.