MICHAEL BARRIOS UPDATE

As I said when the terrible news of Michael's death became known, I would follow this case to make sure that Michael got fair treatment and the case was not railroaded by a sycophant Defense Attorney. It looks like a good start as the Judge is not allowing the typical shenanigans that some Defense Attorneys often try.

Judge Won't Close Hearings In Missing Boy Case
May 9, 2007 07:51 AM


MICHAEL BARRIOS

BRUNSWICK, Ga. (AP) -- A judge Tuesday rejected a defense motion to ban the public and news media from pretrial hearings for a woman charged, along with her husband and son, with murdering a six-year-old Brunswick boy.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for 57-year-old Peggy Edenfield in the abduction, sexual assault and murder of young Christopher Michael Barrios.

Her husband, David Edenfield, and their son, George Edenfield, also face death by lethal injection if convicted of the March 8th slaying.

Peggy Edenfield's attorney, Edward Clary, had filed a motion asking the judge to close his courtroom to reporters and the general public during pretrial proceedings to protect her right to a fair trial.

Superior Court Judge Stephen Scarlett ruled Tuesday that the lawyer failed to show there were no alternatives to ensuring Peggy Edenfield is tried by a fair and impartial jury.

Four media organizations -- The Brunswick News, The Georgia Times-Union, WJXT-TV 4 of Jacksonville, Fla., and The Associated Press -- filed a court challenge to the defense motion.

Police say Christopher was sexually assaulted and choked to death in the Edenfields' trailer across the street from his grandmother's home. He had been missing for a week when police found his body March 15th.

**Story from AP**