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Supreme Court To Hear Media's Case Over Hearing

DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Supreme Court will consider a request by news organizations for access to a key hearing for a teen accused of killing a 10-year-old girl and attacking a jogger.

The court on Thursday granted the organizations' request to argue for access to a Feb. 22 preliminary hearing for 18-year-old Austin Sigg.

Judge Stephen Munsinger says he closed the hearing to ensure a fair trial and to protect the privacy of victims and their families. Prosecutors and media organizations, including The Associated Press, argue that Munsinger didn't consider alternatives to closing the hearing to the public.

Sigg is accused of kidnapping, sexually assaulting and killing 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway of Westminster in October and of attacking a jogger in May.

Jessica Ridgeway
Jessica Ridgeway (credit: JessicaRidgeway.com)

The Supreme Court gave Munsinger until Feb. 11 to show cause for his ruling. News organizations have until Feb. 19 to respond.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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