LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – An attorney for the man accused of being on drugs before crashing into a Kansas family with a car on a Louisville sidewalk in 2022, killing one and injuring two others, has asked a judge to severely limit media coverage of next week’s trial to ensure jurors and witnesses are not prejudiced.
The request made in Michael Hurley’s case Monday by attorney Jordan Potts would exclude both still and video photographers as well as any microphones. Reporters would still be able to take notes.
“Simply the presence of tv cameras or audio equipment would unduly prejudice the decision making of potential jurors and could potentially affect witnesses as well,” Potts wrote in the motion to Jefferson Circuit Court Judge Annie’ O’Connell.
The request is rare for Kentucky where the presence of cameras and recording equipment are typical, especially in high-profile cases. But judges can decide against allowing cameras in the courtroom.
Hurley admitted to doing drugs before hitting a Kansas family with his car at 2nd and Market streets on July 5, 2022.
The family he hit had traveled to Louisville for their 17-year-old’s basketball tournament. The father, 42-year-old Trey Jones, died shortly after being struck. His wife, Amy, and daughter, Ava, were seriously hurt and were in town for weeks in rehab in Louisville.
Hurley is accused of taking hydrocodone, veering off the road and hitting the family of four as they were on the sidewalk downtown.
Hurley faces charges of Murder, Assault and Driving Under the Influence. He faces up to 70 years in prison.
In Potts’ argument, he notes the case has garnered national attention from outlets including ABC News and ESPN, with at least one publication noting Ava was forced to quit basketball and lost the opportunity to play with Caitlyn Clark. Ava had committed to play for the Iowa Hawkeyes, where WNBA all-star Clark played in college, but was never medically cleared to play.
An incoming senior at Nickerson, Jones averaged 20.8 points, 15.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.6 steals per game during her junior season.
First Amendment Attorney Mike Abate said that while it’s “routine” in Kentucky state courts to allow cameras, the decision is ultimately up the judge.
“I think it’s very troublesome,” he said in an interview of the request. “The Supreme Court has recognized open access serves the public interest in making sure justice is done and delivered fairly. Criminal trials are public events."
Potts argued that granting the motion would not preclude the media from reporting on the trial.
“Members of the press are of course allowed to report what they see … as long as it is not distracting to jurors, witnesses, or the Court,” according to the motion.
The Jefferson Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office did not immediately respond to whether prosecutors will argue against the motion.
The trial is scheduled to being on Oct. 7.
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