Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, May 21, 1993 TAG: 9305210119
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER SOUTHWEST BUREAU
DATELINE: HILLSVILLE LENGTH: Short
Thomas Jefferson "T.J." Midkiff is charged with first-degree and capital murder in the stabbing deaths of Sheila Marie Ring and her 2-year-old daughter, Jasmine Celene Sutphin, at their Carroll County home in December 1991.
He also is charged with setting fire to the home in an attempt to cover up the crime.
Circuit Judge Duane Mink said he would exclude cameras because a large number of people are likely to attend the trial.
"We have such a small area and cramped quarters to work in. I just feel that it would be inappropriate to have cameras in the courtroom at this time," he said.
The defense objected to requests from the news media to allow cameras. The prosecution took no position on the requests.
Commonwealth's Attorney Greg Goad did object to the defense's calling several members of the victims' families as witnesses. After conferring with attorneys for both sides in chambers, Mink said he felt that the request was made in good faith and agreed to it.
All witnesses are expected to be kept in separate quarters from the trial so they will hear no other testimony.
Goad suggested that the defense might waive its right to exclude the family members who will be testifying. Mink gave the defense time to think that over. "Absent a waiver from the other side, I can't pick and choose what witnesses I'm going to sequester," he said.
by CNB