(NORTHAMPTON, Mass.) (WGGB)–A Hampshire County judge has denied a defense request to keep pre-trial hearings in a murder case closed to the media.
45-year old Cara Rintala is charged with the murder of her wife Annamarie Cochrane Rintala in March of 2010.
Defense Attorney David Hoose said all the pre-trial publicity would jeopardize Cara Rintala’s right to a fair trial.
But Assistant District Attorney Stephen Gagne said it is a cherished right to keep the courtroom open to the public and the media and that a meticulous selection of the jury would satisfy the defense’s concerns.
Judge Mary Lou Rup ruled against the defense motion saying that the courtroom will remain open during pre-trial hearings.
The evidence that has come to light so far in this case indicates a rocky marriage between Cara Rintala and her wife Annamarie Cochrane Rintala.
It was a relationship that involved discord, restraining orders, and divorce papers being filed.
Rintala’s trial is scheduled to begin on Feb. 11th.
