Judge in Updyke trial halts proceedings - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

Judge in Updyke trial halts proceedings

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File Photo: Harvey Updyke and his attorney (WTVM) File Photo: Harvey Updyke and his attorney (WTVM)
OPELIKA, AL -

Judge Jacob Walker has pushed the pause button on the Harvey Updyke trial.

The judge granted Updyke's defense attorney's request for a continuance citing media publicity around the trial, according to WTVM.

Judge Walker said 10 out of the 31 potential jurors had either read, seen or been contacted by a family member who wanted to talk about the trial.

The District Attorney's office did opposed the continuance.

This is not a mistrial, as a jury wasn't yet selected. A hearing on a change of venue will be set at a later date.

The continuance comes one day after the judge issued a limited gag order in the case that allows only the attorneys to speak with the press.

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