HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) A 14-year-old Hutchinson boy accused of setting a fire that killed his mother and sister is seeking to bar public access to all hearings and court documents in the case.
Defense attorney Gregory Bell filed a motion Wednesday for a protective order that would close all hearings, seal the court record and impose a gag order.
The court set an Oct. 22 hearing on the request.
The teen is charged with first-degree murder of his mother and 11-year-old sister and attempted murder of his father. He also is charged with aggravated arson in the Sept. 26 fire.
His attorney cites media attention. He says putting the youth on “public display” could cause embarrassment, fright and psychological damage.
The state is separately seeking to prosecute the teen as an adult.
