A Kansas man charged with murder is attempting to remove a tattoo reading ‘murder’ out of fear it might prejudice the jury.

Jeffrey Chapman, who has the word printed across his neck in mirror-image letters, will soon be on trial in relation to a death that took place in November 2011, but his lawyer says the tattoo will prevent him receiving a fair hearing.

The Great Bend Tribune reports that Chapman has secured a tattoo artist willing to visit the jail and remove the tattoo. However, Kansas law states that tattoo artists cannot practice except in licensed facilities, and sheriff Brian Bellendir will not allow Chapman to be removed from the jail.

A pre-trial hearing scheduled for later today will reach a decision on the matter.