Attorneys For Jessica Ridgeway Murder Suspect Back Judge On Closed Hearing

DENVER (AP) - Lawyers for a teen accused of killing a 10-year-old Westminster girl and attacking a jogger say a judge didn't abuse his discretion in closing the teen's preliminary hearing to the public.

The judge said last year he would close the hearing planned Friday for Austin Sigg, saying he wants to ensure a fair trial and to protect the privacy of victims and their families.

Media organizations including The Associated Press appealed to the Colorado Supreme Court. In a document filed Tuesday, they argued that a prosecutor already said in open court that Sigg allegedly confessed to killing Jessica Ridgeway in October.

Sigg's attorneys argue the judge reasonably ruled to close the hearing after balancing the media's right for access against Sigg's right to a fair trial by an impartial jury.

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