CONCORD - The state's Supreme Court heard an appeal today from an attorney representing Christopher Gribble, who is currently serving a life sentence without parole for the murder of Kimberly Cates.

Attorney Stephanie Hausman told the court that publicity before and during Gribble's trial affected members of the jury pool. She claimed her client's trial should have been moved to another county, due to the large amount of publicity the trial of Gribble, accused in the murder of Cates, 42, in her Mont Vernon home in 2009, received by local and national media outlets.

Gribble was not present at this morning's appeal proceeding. Justice Robert Lynn disqualified himself from today's hearing.

The court heard arguments from both Hausman and Assistant Attorney General Peter Hinckley, representing the state, and will rule at a later date.