MIAMI (AP) - The accused shooter in the 2007 killing of former Washington Redskins star Sean Taylor wants the media barred from a key hearing.
A Miami-Dade County judge set a hearing Wednesday on the request from 20-year-old Eric Rivera Jr. His attorney contends that an upcoming hearing on what evidence will be allowed could jeopardize Rivera’s chances for a fair trial.
Attorneys for The Miami Herald oppose closing the hearing, arguing there’s no evidence media coverage will automatically taint a potential jury pool.
Rivera is one of five people accused in the killing of Taylor during a botched robbery at his Miami-area home.
Taylor was an All-Pro safety with the Redskins who starred in college at the University of Miami.
A trial in the case is expected later this year.
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