Foulks, 26, of Carbondale, is charged with the deaths of eight children who Foulks allegedly left alone at her Oak street home which was consumed in an August 1994 fire. Foulks is charged with eight counts of involuntary manslaughter and misdemeanor charges of endangering the life or health of a child and reckless conduct.

In a motion filed on Oct. 27, the defense cited prejudicial publicity and the nature of the case as reasons why the trial should be moved.

States Attorney Mike Wepsiec said although the fire at Foulks’ home received nation-wide coverage, he believes media interest has died down, and therefore there is no reason to move the trial.

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Wepsiec’s legal brief states that the law does not require a jury be ignorant of any or all information about a case before evidence is presented in court.

Attorneys for Foulks filed a motion to dismiss the involuntary manslaughter and reckless conduct charges against Foulks.

Public Defender Mike Rowland previously said the invouluntary manslaughter and reckless conduct charges do not pertain to Foulks, because she is not accused of committing any act that caused the deaths of the children or endangered their lives.

Rowland was unavailable for comment Wednesday.

The defense has also filed another motion, in hopes of suppressing any testimony about Foulks’ activities prior to and after she left her home on the night of the blaze.

Foulks’ motion hearing has been set for 1 p.m. today at the Jackson County Courthouse in Murphysboro. Wepsiec said the judge will either make a ruling on the defense motions or decide to rule at a later date.