The judge presiding over the trial of a Newton woman accused of attempting to murder her daughter's boyfriend has approved expanded media coverage of the case.
Jasper County District Court Judge Gregory A. Hulse ruled in favor of the EMC request made by the Newton Daily News. Kathleen Richardson, executive director of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council, made oral arguments regarding objections raised by Eric James, the alleged victim in the case.
Jasper County Attorney Michael K. Jacobsen said that after consulting with James earlier today, the prosecution witness no longer objected to EMC. He said neither he nor Assistant County Attorney Scott Nicholson "personally objected" to the request, and there were no other prosecution witness objections.
Steve Addington, the attorney representing the defendant, Jane Shine, said she did not object to EMC.
In his ruling on the request, Hulse further restricted the EMC to include only one still camera, one video camera and one audio recording device. He also ordered that he be allowed to review all still photographs taken each day.
A second hearing in the case on a motion in limine by prosecutors to limit testimony regarding the pasts of certain witnesses also took place Monday in chambers. Hulse asked the media to not be present for that hearing, as the information presented could potentially result in a mistrial.
A ruling on the second hearing may not occur until just before the trial is slated to begin Wednesday morning.
As of press time, Hulse had not ruled on the motion in limine.