TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - A Pima County Superior Court judge will allow video coverage of a man’s murder trial in two child killings but with limitations.
Judge Deborah Bernini’s order will allow the media to record Christopher Clements’ trial in the deaths of 6-year-old Isabel Celis and 13-year-old Maribel Gonzales for later use online or over the air but not for live transmission, KGUN-TV reported.
Defense attorneys for Clements argued that cameras would impair his chances for a fair trial, while prosecutors argued that cameras could violate the privacy of victim families.
Attorneys for KGUN and another Tucson station argued to keep the trial open to cameras, with KGUN attorney Daniel Arellano saying video coverage helps the public monitor court proceedings.
Bernini cited Arizona court rules and previous court rulings in reluctantly denying the efforts to block video coverage of the trial.
But in addition to banning live transmission, the judge said she might forbid video of witnesses who object to being on camera.
Clements trial is set for February 2021.
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