Man accused in Massachusetts family slaying asks to keep details sealed from public view
By Denise Lavoie, APThursday, September 9, 2010
Mass. family slay suspect wants details sealed
WOBURN, Mass. — Lawyers for a Massachusetts man accused of killing his wife, two children and mother-in-law are asking to keep some “highly inflammatory” details of the slayings sealed from public view.
They argued Thursday that the information could put him at risk in prison and “prejudice a vast array of jurors against him.”
Lawyers for Thomas Mortimer IV argued Thursday that four lines from a nine-page summary of the evidence against him should remain under wraps.
Prosecutor Adrienne Lynch said prosecutors agreed to redact the four lines after learning the information could affect “the well-being” of unnamed relatives who do not know about the details yet.
Judge Elizabeth Fahey did not immediately rule on the request.
Mortimer is accused of killing his family members in June at their Winchester home. Mortimer is originally from Avon, Conn.