Ga. suspect in slayings of 8 has hearing, judge denies defense request to ban reporters

Ga. suspect in slayings of 8 has 1st hearing

BRUNSWICK, Ga. — A judge in Georgia is denying a defense attorney request to ban reporters from pre-trial proceedings in the case of a man charged with beating his father and seven others to death in their mobile home last summer.

Guy Heinze Jr. appeared before the judge Tuesday for the first time since the 22-year-old suspect was indicted on murder charges in September. Superior Court Judge Amanda Williams says she may consider closing some hearings to reporters if they involve discussing evidence.

Heinze’s younger brother, Tyler Heinze, said after the hearing that his jailed sibling is innocent and “scared to death.” He said he doesn’t understand how authorities believe a single person could beat eight people to death.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.