From scheduled jury trial to disposition and reset in the Limmie Curry case

This morning motions in limine  were scheduled to be heard in the Limmie Curry trial. He is charged with the murder of William Reid. When the courtroom was opened, Judge Timothy Cissna asked DDA Kelly Neel and Curry's attorney to approach.

They talked privately. Mr. Russo left. When he came back, again Judge Cissna asked them to approach. Limmie Curry's father was not in the courtroom. They were trying to reach him.

With no other explaination, all Judge Cissna said was the case was rescheduled for 1:30 today. I happened to check the court computer and it is a disposition and reset hearing. Judge Cissna can run his courtroom, however he wishes but this is the second case without a gag order where he has conversations at the bench. Since he has taken over, it is very hard to get answers, even in open court.

I don't have a problem with Judge Cissna but it's one courtroom that does not have a comfortable atmosphere. I follow and am respectful of the rules of court but lately, there are too many private discussions at the whim of the Judge. Curry's co defendant is a free man and will never be tried again. The outcome of this trial is important. The public needs to feel trust in the justice system.

 This trial is of great interest and this "cloak and dagger" routine in more cases than usual should be balanced with the public's right to know basic information. It is my understanding that other countries do not have the closed interventions we have in Humboldt County at 3 p.m.

With a high homicide rate and several cases of interest, I would respectfully ask Judge Cissna that routine matters which used to be discussed in open court not become a pattern of private discussions.