NATCHEZ — Starting Monday, Natchez will play host to the murder trial of a man accused of killing George County Sheriff Gary Welford in July 2010.

The trial of Christopher Lee Baxter was moved to Adams County Circuit Court in a change of venue to ensure a fair trial due to public exposure to the case in the George County area. The state Supreme Court appointed a retired Hattiesburg judge, Richard McKenzie, to the case.

Baxter, 26, is charged with capital murder.

Brandy Nicole Williams, 20, is also charged with capital murder in the case but is being tried separately.

After being struck by a pickup trick, Welford, 63, died July 21, 2010. Police were pursuing Baxter, who had reportedly failed to appear in court for a drug sentencing.

Williams was allegedly in the truck with Baxter at the time of the incident.

Authorities searched for the driver through the night, and captured the suspects the next morning in a residence approximately six miles from the scene.

In April a judge ruled Baxter is ineligible for the death penalty after two doctors who evaluated him determined he is mentally retarded.

A jury of local residents will be empanelled for the trial.