GALLIPOLIS - Attorneys for Felipe Beach, the Bidwell man indicted on Feb. 6 for attempted murder for allegedly severely beating a woman in front of the Courtside Bar and Grill on Jan. 11, have filed a motion for change of venue, citing media saturation as the reasoning.

“A change of venue is necessary in this case because extensive and ongoing pretrial publicity makes it presumptively impossible to seat an impartial jury in this county,” stated the memorandum for support of the motion.

Several other motions were also filed, including a motion requesting rulings on all motions no later than the commencement of the “voir dire,” or the last possible moment for pretrial rulings.

Beach, whose jury trial was originally set for Thursday, April 5, recently waived his right to a speedy trial and was continued to Monday, Aug. 7, 2007 at 9 a.m.

The hearing on all pending motions was set for Wednesday, June 27, 2007 at 1 p.m.

Beach was arrested by the Gallipolis City Police on Jan. 11 after allegedly beating and kicking 26-year-old Heidi Peifer on the sidewalk in front of the bar and grill.

Peifer allegedly suffered severe trauma to her head and face. She was transported to Holzer Medical Center by Gallia County EMS and later transported to Cabell Huntington Hospital.

Beach is currently under house arrest, in accordance with court orders, after posting bond in February. Beach was also ordered to have no contact with Heidi Peifer, any witnesses, or the Courtside Bar and Grill.

While on house arrest, Beach is confined to his residence, according to authorities, who will be notified electronically should Beach attempt to leave the confines of his home or disconnect the equipment.