San Diego judge denies families’ request to keep their daughters’ murder cases sealed
By APThursday, April 22, 2010
Judge won’t keep seal on Calif. murder cases
SAN DIEGO — A California judge has denied a request by two families to ban the release of information on the investigations into the killings of their daughters.
Thursday’s ruling in San Diego Superior Court is a victory for news organizations, including The Associated Press, which argued for lifting restrictions.
Judge David Danielsen says the families’ request was too broad and threatened the media’s ability to report on crime. He says laws exist to limit the release of information and that he lacks the power to impose additional restrictions.
An attorney for the family of 17-year-old Chelsea King argued that the California Constitution prohibited the release of certain informationm including the autopsy report.
John Gardner pleaded guilty last week to killing Chelsea and 14-year-old Amber Dubois.
