Arraignments pushed back

The defense objects to WSB’s request for filming in the courtroom in the case involving the death of detective Hearne.

The defense objects to WSB’s request for filming in the courtroom in the case involving the death of detective Hearne.

Proceedings in the cases of Seth Brandon Spangler and Samantha Michelle Roof, both accused in the shooting death of a Polk County police officer, came to a halt Tuesday afternoon following an objection by Spangler’s defense to allowing any video cameras in the courtroom.

Spangler defense attorney Crystal Bice argued that her client’s right to due process and fair proceedings would be hindered if a request from WSB-TV allowing cameras during court proceedings was granted.

Tallapoosa Circuit Superior Court Judge Michael Murphy decided the request needed another hearing to sort out the arguments for either side, and set it for March 13.

He said he had “very little doubt that the media’s presence will become an issue” in the capital case against Spangler and Roof. The two stand accused in the shooting death of Detective Kristen Hearne in September. The two were captured just hours after the shooting.

Both were allowed to wear plain clothes in court during the hearing. They’ll likely face arraignment proceedings following the decision on cameras in the courtroom.

No cameras will be allowed during the March 13 hearing, Murphy decided during Tuesday’s proceedings.

For District Attorney Jack Browning’s part, it means another delay in an already difficult trial.

“I’m just disappointed that the matter has been postponed, and we want to make sure that we get it right the first time around,” he said. “We were prepared to go today and disappointed to see it continued.” Ryan Hermens / Seth Brandon Spangler Samantha Michelle Roof The Paducah Sun via AP

Kentucky State Police Lt. Michael Webb said the 15-year-old suspect “was apprehended by the sheriff’s department here on site, at the school, thankfully before any more lives could be taken.”