Judge denies Peterson's bid for closed hearing
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Scott Peterson, right, in a previous court appearance
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(CNN) -- A California appeals court in Fresno on Wednesday denied a petition by Scott Peterson's attorneys to keep his preliminary hearing closed to the press and public.
Stanislaus County Superior Court Judge Al Girolami ruled two weeks ago that the hearing would remain open to the public and to the media, but he granted a motion by the prosecutors to ban cameras from the court.
Peterson is accused of killing his wife, Laci, and their unborn son, Conner. Laci Peterson was reported last seen on Christmas Eve 2002. Her body and that of Conner washed ashore in California in April.
Last week, defense attorney Mark Geragos appealed the decision to keep the hearing open. (Full story)
The 5th Appellate Court ruled Wednesday that the public had a right to attend the hearing, when the evidence against Peterson will first be presented.
That hearing is scheduled to begin September 9 in Modesto, California.
