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Sunday, November 08, 2009
Ind. Courts - How it is going in Valparaiso's Courthouse, what with it hosting the Marion County attempted murder trial?
James D. Wolf Jr's story today in the Gary Post Tribune is headlined: "High-profile trial proceeds despite ongoing courthouse work: Exterior cleaning, wiring upgrade doesn't faze change-of-venue trial." Some quotes:
VALPARAISO -- While television crews from Indianapolis parked vans outside the Porter County Courthouse, people going in and out dodged spray from a high-pressure hose cleaning the building's upper reaches.Inside, the trial of Brian Reese, 37, for the attempted murder of an Indianapolis police officer was being held in Porter County due to excessive publicity in Marion County.
And Northwest Communications Inc. continued updating the courthouse's wiring to last the next 20 years.
Despite everything going on, most agreed the disruptions were minor.
"It hasn't kept us from doing anything," Judge Roger Bradford, whose courtroom is across from the Reese trial, said. "There's more hustle and bustle, more activity on the floor." * * *
Lt. Bob Paulson said that it's been smooth working with other law enforcement agencies on security, including Indianapolis Metropolitan Police, the Gary Police Department and the Indiana State FOP Critical Incident Team.
Sheriff David Lain said, "It's pretty much business as usual because this is the business we're in."
David Shircliff, a defense attorney from Marion County, said Porter has been gracious and accommodating, from the jail staff allowing access to Reese to Harper's staff helping his people with what they need to do.
Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi said he couldn't be more appreciative of the court staff, police officers and Porter County officials who made him feel at home again.
Posted by Marcia Oddi on November 8, 2009 02:42 PM
Posted to Indiana Courts