WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan 9 (Reuters) - A Virginia judge denied a gag order request on Friday in a rape and attempted murder case against Jesse Matthew, the man also charged with abducting Hannah Graham, a Virginia student whose body was discovered in October on a farm after a five-week search.
Fairfax County Judge David Schell denied a request by Matthew's defense attorney to ban all parties involved in the case from talking to the media.
"The public has the right to be informed," Schell said. "It's important to facilitate an appropriate flow of information."
Schell also ordered court files sealed until the conclusion of the trial, and $2,000 in court funds allocated to the defense to hire a DNA analyst to assist in the case.
On Thursday, Schell denied a request to permit cameras in the courtroom during the trial, which is set to start March 9.