I get why gag orders are requested but not every high profile case should have one. We have had delay after delay in a case that deeply affects many people in Humboldt County and people regionally and internationally.
Now defense wants conferences in chamber with minimum information stated in court. Gary Lee Bullock is entitled to a fair trial but what about Fr. Eric? What about his family? What about the rest of us, his other family and friends?
There are many overlaps in cases and court dates with high profile cases right now and court coverage is rare in local media if other news does not take precedent. The Warren case does not have conferences in chamber, the Bodhi Tree case did not have conferences in chamber, the Limmie Curry case did not have conferences in chamber.
Evidence presented at the preliminary hearing points towards only one suspect. Unlike other homicides, who "allegedly" murdered Fr. Eric from evidence presented so far does not seem to be in question. Only Bullock "allegedly " entered the rectory and only Bullock "allegedly" exited and "allegedly" fled the crime scene. Only Bullock was captured on the surveilance cameras.
Looks like Bullock gets to pull every legal trick in the book to keep delaying a trial and while his rights are being preserved, damn the victims. There is not just one victim in this case. As a priest, a professor, a brother, a son, a friend, there are many victims. The public barely gets any information because of the gag order on this case, now with the private chamber conferences, the public's right to know is further eroded.
It is bad enough that Bullock "allegedly" brutally killed someone loved by many people, "allegedly" desecrated a sacred place and "allegedly" tried to destroy evidence of his crime but now his rights seem to triumph the rights of everyone else.
This case is personal. Isn't every case where someone takes another life personal?
I agree Mr. Chiv... for you this case is personal; and I can see why. I did not know Father Freed but from all indications he was a great good man. We don't have nearly enough of those to spare.
ReplyDeleteBut Due Process is Due Process. The prosecution has the weight of the entire legal system on its side. The defendant has but his lawyer and the rules of procedure; the maneuvering is necessary to balance the power a little, even though it may rightly disgust our sensibilities.
As for "allegedly:" You are under no compulsion to use the term. You are also under no compulsion to exhibit objectivity. It's your call.
But I do believe Due Process is a public process; gag orders and private meetings in judge's chambers do not further the course of justice.
I know the Father Freed case will be hard for you. Good luck.
well said! Justice will prevail here ....
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