Judge temporarily blocks release of videos from deadly Alderwood mall shooting

Judge Temporarily Blocks Release of Videos from Deadly Alderwood Mall Shooting

The judge in the case acknowledged the existence of competing interests. On one hand, the public has a right to know what happened inside the Alderwood Mall during the shooting. On the other hand, the judge sided with the defense that those videos, captured on the mall's surveillance cameras, should not be made public at this time.

This image of Samuel Gebre Giza, released by Lynnwood Police on the night of the Alderwood Mall shooting, now sees him in custody, facing charges of second-degree murder and assault. News outlets, including KO News, have requested access to the mall surveillance footage leading up to the shooting.

"I understand that I have to balance the public's need to know with the defendant's rights and even the state's rights," the judge stated. These videos were at the center of a hearing where Giza's defense attorney, Scott McGinty, asked Judge Richard Okrent to block Lynnwood Police from releasing the videos to the press through public records requests.

"My client's right to a fair trial is of importance," McGinty stressed, adding that the police hold responsibility for securing the footage. The shooting at Alderwood Mall stirred the Lynnwood community, prompting questions on how a fight between juveniles escalated into the fatal shooting of J. Woods Johnson, considered by police to be an innocent bystander.

"I think under these circumstances, a temporary order is appropriate. I do find that this case has high public interest," Judge Okrent ruled, issuing a one-week order to stop the video's release. He stated his intention to hear from more parties, including the city of Lynnwood, the victim's family, KO News, and other outlets that requested the video.

"I have to protect the investigation for both sides," Judge Okrent added, emphasizing that the defendant has a right to a fair trial and to view the evidence before the public. The temporary order stands for a week, with everyone mandated to return to court on July 25th. This includes the media outlets seeking the video, Lynnwood city representatives, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and a representative for the victim's family, should they choose to attend.

Jeremy Harris, KO News, reporting from Snohomish County.

Keywords

• Judge Richard Okrent
• Alderwood Mall shooting
• Public records release
• Samuel Gebre Giza
• Second-degree murder
• Assault charges
• Surveillance footage
• Lynnwood Police
• J. Woods Johnson
• Fair trial
• Public interest
• Temporary order
• Court hearing

FAQ

Q: Who is the defendant in this case?
A: Samuel Gebre Giza.

Q: On what charges is the defendant being held?
A: He faces charges of second-degree murder and assault.

Q: What prompted the judge to issue a temporary order?
A: The judge issued the temporary order to balance the public's right to know with the defendant's right to a fair trial, and to protect the investigation.

Q: How long is the temporary order in place?
A: The temporary order is in place for one week.

Q: When is the next court hearing scheduled?
A: The next court hearing is scheduled for July 25th.

Q: Who needs to be present at the next court hearing?
A: Representatives from the media outlets seeking the video, the city of Lynnwood, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and a representative for the victim's family, should they choose to attend.