Former EPISD administrator wants change of venue for trial

The defense team for former El Paso Independent Associate Superintendent Damon Murphy wants a change of venue.

Murphy is one of several administrators who has been indicted in the ongoing federal investigation involving a cheating scheme in the school district.

A motion filed in court this week describes the overwhelming amount of news media attention drawn by Murphy’s case as “inflammatory and pervasive.”

Investigators have said that Murphy, a former associate superintendent, allegedly gave marching orders to principals to prevent certain students from advancing to the 10th grade, which is the year students take the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills test, or TAKS.

Murphy and five other former and current EPISD administrators accused of taking part in the cheating scheme have a trial date set for August 15.