Tuesday, November 7, 2017

BUNKERVILLE STANDOFF TRIAL:  OPENING STATEMENTS DELAYED ONE WEEK OVER FBI SPY CAM ISSUE, HEARINGS TOMORROW, THURSDAY


US District Judge Gloria J. Navarro decided to delay the opening statements in the third Bunkerville Standoff trial until next Tuesday following last Friday's revelation by a park service employee of a previously unknown FBI surveillance camera overlooking Bundy Ranch.

A hearing on the issue is set for tomorrow (Wednesday November 8th).   The hearing will start at 1pm to give the government more time to gather information about the surveillance camera or cameras operated by the FBI during the standoff.

When Ryan Bundy filed a motion about the camera back in August the lead prosecutor Acting US Attorney Steve Myhre rebuffed it claiming it was something 'fantastical' but today for the first time Myhre admitted the existence of a camera or cameras used by the FBI during the standoff.

When Judge Navarro has to operate under increased scrutiny, she tends to be less hostile to the defense.  Some observers of her behavior describe it as "immature".

Navarro acted more proper and correct in the courtroom during a previous Bunkerville trial when former Congressman and US Attorney Bob Barr was present as an observer and this trial with its increased publicity seems to be driving her towards at least an appearance of being respectful of the defense.

Prosecutors claim they did their "due diligence" in the matter.   There are questions as to whether other spy cams may have been used during the standoff by the FBI.

The four defendants came to court today with Ryan Payne in street clothes, Ryan Bundy in a three piece black suit but Cliven Bundy and Ammon Bundy came in red prison uniforms.

Ryan Bundy suggested to the judge that the prosecutors prepare their case from a jail cell next to his, expressing the difficulty he faces in preparing his from the lockup at the Henderson Detention Center

In a video posting tonight (Tuesday November 7th)  Ammon Bundy's attorney Morgan Philpot expressed his shock and surprise at the turn of events.

Not only will there be a evidence hearing tomorrow, but there will also be a detention hearing for the four defendants on Thursday morning at 830am.

Philpot said the planned hearing is "fantastic" and expressed hope that the judge may release the defendants.

Cliven Bundy's defense attorney Bret Whipple has filed a motion for dismissal of the case and that motion will be considered at a hearing scheduled for next Monday.
.


No comments:

Post a Comment