Jan 8, 2008 2:41 pm US/Eastern
Judge Issues Gag Order In Sean Taylor Trial
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
Fearing increased publicity could comprise the case against four men charged with murder in the death of Washington Redskins' star Sean Taylor, the judge in the case has imposed a gag order in the case.
In his ruling, Judge Dennis Murphy said attorneys for the four men have used the media with no regard for the effect their statements have on their co-defendants. Murphy's order prohibits lawyers, law enforcement and Taylor's family from making comments regarding the defendant's statements or evidence.
"There is a substantial likelihood that continued pretrial publicity without restraint," Murphy ruled, "will jeopardize the defendants' right to due process."
The judge's order will also result in the redaction of investigative material eventually released to the press, removing any statements related to potential confessions made by defendants. Murphy still must review the recordings and transcripts of defendants' statements to police to decide what exactly falls under his order.
Prosecutors and defense attorneys agreed with the move, but it was fought by news media outlets.
Normally most investigative material becomes public under Florida law once it is given to defense attorneys.
In December, an attorney for one of four suspects charged with killing Taylor said he was in talks with prosecutors about a plea agreement.
Michael Hornung, who represents Venjah Hunte, said his client has maintained throughout that he was not aware that anyone had a weapon when they arrived at Taylor's Miami home or that violence would occur, and that he was not inside the home when Taylor was shot November 26th. Taylor died the following day.
"He has said from the very beginning that he wants to accept responsibility for his limited role," Hornung said. "He is willing to cooperate and to speak truthfully about that."
All four suspects have pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree felony murder and armed burglary.
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