The penalty trial for Glenn Helzer, who pleaded guilty to killing five people in the summer of 2000, will remain in Contra Costa County, a judge decided.
Jury selection was to begin today after Judge Mary Ann O'Malley decided that publicity during the trial of Helzer's 32-year-old brother had not tainted the jury pool.
A jury in August recommended death for Justin Helzer after convicting him of the murders. Glenn Helzer, 34, pleaded guilty early this year.