A judge on Tuesday weighed how much information to release about the arrest of a former police officer accused of being the Golden State Killer.
The Associated Press and other news outlets are pushing for information from search and arrest warrants to be made public, arguing that transparency helps the public act as a check on the legal process and ensures investigators are acting appropriately. But defense attorneys are concerned that this information could taint jurors and witnesses.
Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Michael Sweet indicated he’s likely to release some information and is working with prosecutors and defense attorneys to determine how much to redact, which would continue to shield some details from public view.
We weigh the decision before the judge from prosecutorial and defense attorney perspectives.
With files from the Associated Press.
Guests:
Ambrosio Rodriguez, former prosecutor and criminal defense attorney; he led the sex crimes team in the Riverside County D.A.’s office
Steve Cooley, attorney and founder of the Southern California-based law firm Steve Cooley & Associates; he served as Los Angeles County District Attorney from 2000-2012