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Photographs Taken at Sheley Trial
Something that is in no way allowed in any trial court in the state of Illinois was apparently allowed for a brief time Friday in the case of accused spree killer Nicholas Sheley.

As testimony continued in the trial to determine whether or not 65-year old Ronald Randall was killed at the hands of Sheley, observers including reporters could see a Knox County Sheriffs Deputy using a disposable camera to take pictures of the courtroom.

Cameras and microphones are not allowed in any trial court in Illinois -- something groups like the Illinois News Broadcasters Association and others have tried to change over the years. Illinois is one of only a handful of states that doesn't allow cameras and microphones. Broadcast journalists believe that reporters should be allowed to all of the tools of their trade, like those in neighboring states such as Iowa.

Court officials and Circuit Judge James Stewart would not officially say why the sheriffs deputy was taking pictures, but said it likely would officially be addressed at some point.

Testimony Friday centered around officials from the Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department Crime Lab, one of whom confirmed the presence of Sheley's DNA in Randall's allegedly stolen pickup truck.

Two people also testified Friday to letting Sheley use their cell phones outside Busch Stadium a day after the death is alleged to have committed.
09 17 11 by Newsroom
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