Constitutional Law

News media to get video of boy who shot himself at Mass. gun show

By By The Associated Press

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. ? A judge has ruled that the news media will be given access to the videotape of an 8-year-old boy who accidentally shot himself in the head at a gun show.

Judge Peter Velis said yesterday that there is no legal reason to prohibit news-media access to the video. Prosecutors and defense attorneys objected.

The video is expected to be introduced as evidence in the trial of former Pelham Police Chief Edward Fleury, who's charged with manslaughter in connection with the 2008 death of Christopher Bizilj of Ashford, Conn.

The boy lost control of an Uzi submachine gun he was firing and shot himself.

Opening statements are scheduled for today in Hampden Superior Court.

The 53-year-old Fleury, whose company co-sponsored the October 2008 show at the Westfield Sportsman's Club, has pleaded not guilty.

Full post as published by First Amendment Center on January 03, 2011 (boomark / email).