Matthew Back In Court In Fairfax As Defense Seeks Gag Order
FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) -- A Fairfax County judge has rejected a request to impose a gag order on lawyers for the attempted murder trial of a man who is also charged in a separate case with the abduction of University of Virginia student Hannah Graham.
Jesse Matthew faces charges including attempted capital murder in Fairfax in connection with a 2005 sexual assault. He has been charged in Charlottesville with abducting Graham, but has not been charged with her murder.
At a hearing Friday in Fairfax, Matthews' lawyer asked for a gag order on the prosecution to prevent statements that might prejudice a jury pool against Matthew.
The judge sided with Commonwealth's Attorney Ray Morrogh, who said a gag order is unnecessary and that he is always careful to respect defendants' fair trial rights.
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