VT: Judge agrees court records in murder case can’t be hidden

Crime scene photographs and the 911 emergency call reporting a homicide and an attempted homicide in Franklin County last month must remain available for the public to inspect and hear, a Vermont Superior Court judge has ruled.

During a bail hearing for Ethan Gratton, 26, of Georgia, about three dozen colored pictures were displayed, many on a large screen in the courtroom, while the 911 phone call recording also was played on a loudspeaker for the judge, lawyers, court personnel, police, press and public to hear. Either during the five-hour bail hearing Jan. 18, or shortly after, Gratton's defense team made a private request to the court to seal the photographs, 911 audio recording and other exhibits.

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