Some documents will be unsealed in the case against Seth Fontenot. However, a few items regarding details from the night Fontenot allegedly shot and killed 15-year-old Austin Rivault and injured two others remain sealed.
9th Louisiana Judicial District Court Judge Harry Randow ruled all documents can be unsealed with the exception of eight items at the request of the prosecution.
The still sealed items are said to contain allegations against Rivault and surviving teens William Bellamy and Cole Kelley. The teens allegedly broke into Fontenot’s truck almost two years ago, possibly prompting the shooting. Since there is no evidence of charges or convictions, these accusations could further victimize Kelley and Bellamy, according to Prather.
Fontenot’s defense attorney, Thomas Guilbeau, argued that this is not a case about juveniles, but a murder trial.
“They may have been 15 at the time, but they are 17 years old now, and we have a right to an open court,” said Guilbeau.
Prather rebutted, “These items and allegations were ruled inadmissible by the court and that ruling has not been overturned.”
Two motions were previously filed to unseal documents and open hearings to the public by Guilbeau and two media outlets.
Attorney for the media, Scott Keaty argued that blocking certain materials from the media denies the public a right to see the trial unfold. His defense was strongly based on the First Amendment.
Prather’s arguments were backed by previous case standards that protected juvenile records from being released.
Judge Randow is expected to make a determination on the remaining sealed items by the end of the week.
“I need to see if juvenile protection rules apply in the case of the victims,” Randow explained.
The unsealed items are expected to be made public after a court order is received on Tuesday, February 3rd.
Fontenot faces one count of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted first-degree murder in the shooting. The death penalty is no longer a consideration. Trial is set for March 16th.
