CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - A Laramie County district judge on Thursday lifted most of the restrictions he had placed on news media access to witnesses and attorneys in a murder trial.
Judge Thomas Campbell said he would allow news photographers to take pictures of witnesses and defendant Nathaniel Castellanos from a media room adjacent to the courtroom during Castellanos’ trial, the Wyoming Tribune Eagle reported.
Castellano, 34, of Cheyenne faces charges of murder and attempted murder, and prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Jury selection started Tuesday.
He is accused fatally shooting Corey Walker, 21, and Megan McIntosh, 25, in August 2011. Prosecutors allege he shot and wounded Amber J. McGuire.
Campbell also lifted his ban on news media reporting the names and using the photographs of witnesses before their testimony.
An attorney for the Tribune Eagle asked Campbell to change is original order restricting access, saying it amounted to prior restraint in violation of the First Amendment.
Campbell said news media outlets could interview willing trial witnesses after their testimony. He also said reporters could interview attorneys in the case in some areas of the courthouse.
He kept other areas off-limits for interviews, saying they would be disruptive and could be a security issue.
Prosecutors and defense lawyers said they had no objection to the new order.
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Information from: Wyoming Tribune Eagle, https://www.wyomingnews.com
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