Walmart defense accuses prosecution of gag order violation
Nov 27, 2024
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The defense team for the Walmart shooting case has filed a motion on Tuesday, Nov. 26, asking the judge to hold current District Attorney Bill Hicks in contempt of the court's gag order issued back in 2022, according to court documents obtained by KTSM.
The gag order, which was issued by Judge Sam Medrano, states that both parties may not discuss the case with the media, according to the court documents.
According to the motion filed, the defense said DA Hicks has given repeated press conferences and one-on-one interviews with local media, despite the gag order in place.
Judge Sam Medrano has yet to directly address potential violations of the gag order by DA Hicks, but the Dec. 11 hearing will determine if the state violated Patrick Crusius' sixth amendment rights.
Judge denies prosecutor’s request to delay hearing on the Walmart shooting case set for next week
Crusius pleaded guilty to federal charges in 2023 after murdering 23 people on Aug. 3, 2019, when he opened fire at the Cielo Vista Walmart and wounding over 20 others.
He has been sentenced to 90 consecutive life terms and the state is seeking the death penalty.