Judge bans phones and laptops from Aubrey Trail trial

Saline County District Judge Vicky Johnson is banning cell phones and laptops from Aubrey Trail’s trial. 

This order came Wednesday evening, after issues were caused from live tweeting and blogging. The ban includes all members of the media and other observers of the trial. Cameras will still be allowed, for recording purposes only. 

Judge Johnson said social media comments about the case have raised concerns about security, maintaining the jurors’ impartiality and the rights of both parties to a fair trial.

In the court order, 1011’s Live newsblog was mentioned. On the blog, a person, claiming to be the mother of a juror, commented on jury sequestration. Another person then revealed a possible location those jurors may be held. 

Again on 1011’s Live newsblog, a commenter said he had driven by the Saline County Courthouse, that the wheelchair transport van does not appear, and that the defendant is apparently not there. He later commented that Nebraska Correction Officials were transporting the defendant.

Also cited in the court order was a tweet from a newspaper reporter. It read “I’m now hearing that Aubrey Trail has been taken from D&E in Lincoln, where he was being held, on a 911 emergency today. No additional details yet.” In the hospital parking lot, a member of the press contacted the defense counsel. The order said the broadcast of this information constituted a security threat to the defendant, counsel and law enforcement. 

“The Court further finds that live tweeting has created an atmosphere which has fomented disrespect to the Court system. Such problems go to the heart of the parties’ right to a fair trial.” said Judge Johnson. 

Channel 8 KLKN-TV was not cited in the court order. However as the trial started, Channel 8 did update social media due to the fact of other outlets being allowed to do so. 

The first degree murder trial is to resume Thursday at 9 a.m.