Judge rules gag order to remain in Carlisle buried baby case

Warren County Common Pleas Judge Donald Oda II has ruled the gag order issued last week in the Brooke Skylar Richardson case will remain in place.

The prosecution and defense in the case were in court Thursday for a hearing about the order. A Cincinnati media outlet opposed the order precluding several of those involved from making public statements about the case.

MORE: Carlisle buried baby case: What both sides are saying

In his decision released today, Oda said news coverage to this point has been remarkably fair.

“It appears to be balanced to the extent both State of Ohio and the Defendant have had opportunity to comment on their side of the case and have been quoted by media. However, there is substantial probability the fairness of the proceedings will be compromised and potential jurors will be prejudiced by extrajudicial statements made by parties in the case. Such statements are a clear and present danger to the right of the State of Ohio, the defendant and the public to a fair trial,” Oda wrote.

EXCLUSIVE: There are challenges with buried baby case, prosecutor says

Richardson, 18, is charged with aggravated murder and other felonies for allegedly purposely killing the baby after birth on May 6 or 7, then burning and burying the body in the backyard of her Eagle Ridge Drive residence.

About the Author