The trial of a former Punta Gorda police officer charged with manslaughter has been moved out of Charlotte County.

A judge granted a request this week to move Lee Coel’s trial to Lee County.

Coel faces charges in the shooting death of 73-year-old Mary Knowlton at a civilian training course in 2016.
His lawyer had requested the change of venue, claiming Charlotte County jurors were likely exposed to “negative comments on social media” about his client.