News media win bid to televise California murder trial
By The Associated Press
04.19.02
Printer-friendly page
SAN DIEGO — A judge agreed yesterday to allow television coverage of the trial of a man accused of kidnapping and killing 7-year-old Danielle van Dam. But he extended a gag order on participants in the case and rejected a media request to unseal search-warrant documents.
Superior Court Judge William Mudd also barred cameras from a May 6 pretrial hearing on several defense motions.
The judge said that allowing cameras in the court could prejudice potential jurors in the trial of David Westerfield on charges of kidnapping, murder and possession of child pornography.
Westerfield, 50, who is being held without bail, has pleaded not guilty to the charges. His trial is scheduled for May 17.
Danielle was last seen when her father put her to bed Feb. 1. Her parents reported her missing the following morning and thousands of volunteers joined in an intensive search for the girl.
Her body was found three weeks later along a rural road east of San Diego.
Investigators testified in a preliminary hearing that they found spots of Danielle's blood in Westerfield's motor home and on his jacket. The twice-divorced, self-employed engineer lived two doors down from the van Dam home in northern San Diego.
An attorney for The San Diego Union-Tribune and other media has sought the release of police documents used to obtain search warrants of Westerfield's home and vehicles.
The judge also said he would review the personnel files of 12 officers involved in the van Dam investigation for incidents of alleged misconduct. Westerfield's attorneys have asked for permission to review the files.
Update
Judge hearing case of slain San Diego girl scolds reporters
'The media in this community apparently cannot exercise restraint,' says William Mudd, ruling that court documents concerning lifestyle issues are to remain sealed.
05.08.02
Previous
Georgia judge modifies gag order in crematory case
Meanwhile, California judge prohibits attorneys, investigators in kidnapping/murder case from making any statements outside courtroom.
03.12.02
Related
No cameras allowed for pretrial hearings in Runnion murder case
But judge doesn't rule on whether ban will also be in effect if man accused of kidnapping, killing 5-year-old stands trial.
09.17.02
California judge refuses to unseal van Dam hearing transcripts
William Mudd also bristles at editorial decrying his decision to expel journalist from court: 'I had no idea that in this community, I was the Saddam Hussein of the First Amendment.'
08.20.02
