Durham Judge Warns Both Sides In Peterson Case About Pre-Trial Publicity

DURHAM, N.C. — A Durham judge scolded both the district attorney and attorneys for Mike Peterson Friday about statements both sides have made to the media before the trial.

Judge Orlando Hudson, who appointed himself to handle the upcoming Mike Peterson trial, warned the prosecution and the defense about trying the case in the press.

"All of the lawyers are familiar with the rules of professional conduct. I am concerned about the amount of press coverage," Hudson said.

Peterson has been charged with killing his wife, Kathleen, at their Durham home on December 9.

Hudson told both prosecutors and defense attorneys that he was concerned about the pre-trial media coverage.

"Obviously, all you have to do is look around the courtroom or pick up your local paper," he said.

The issue of discovery was also brought up in court Friday. Discovery is the process in which both the prosecution and defense hand over evidence so they can prepare for their cases.

Both sides in the case have accused the other of taking too long in presenting their evidence to each other.

Hudson told the district attorney to tell the State Bureau of Investigation and Durham police to speed up their reports so they can provide them to the defense team.

Hudson also told defense attorneys that he did not think that the trial would start before the end of the year.