Paper to Challenge Judge's Order in Sheridan Murder Trial

Sheridan, WY – Court files have been closed in the case against a Sheridan man accused of brutal murder last summer. But an attorney for the Sheridan Press plans to fight the order. District Judge John Brackley granted a defense motion closing the files to protect Stephen Hyatt's right to a fair trial. Hyatt faces the death penalty for commandeering the car of 18-year-old Kaliegh Ford and shooting her with a shotgun. Attorney Bruce Moats is representing The Sheridan Press and says under Wyoming law, courts are not allowed to close court files in this type of case without providing a factual basis for the decision. Moats says a review of pretrial media coverage hasn't shown him anything that would justify closing the files. Hyatt is scheduled to go on trial in October.