Judge In Beheading Trial Clamps Down On Media
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- The judge overseeing the trial of a western New York man who beheaded his wife has ordered him to stop giving TV interviews.
Erie County Judge Thomas Franczyk said Friday that he was displeased that Muzzammill Hassan had spoken to a Buffalo TV station. He said it was improper to try the case "in the media."
He ordered him not to do any on-camera interviews, and restricted what kind of questions he can answer about his case.
The judge also subpoenaed the notes of a WGRZ-TV reporter who spoke with Hassan on Wednesday.
The station's news director had no immediate comment.
In the interview, Hassan said he "felt an incredible amount of relief" when he cut off his wife's head. He claimed she was abusive, and that he is a victim of "battered spouse syndrome."
Prosecutors said he killed his wife in retaliation for her asking for a divorce.
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