Judge Denies Defense’s Motion to Bar Public from Wirgau Srebnik Trial

During Wednesday’s court hearing over the murder of Brynn Bills and Abby Hill, prosecutors and defense lawyers argued a number of motions as they prepare for trial.

One of the first motions was made by the defense teams who asked Judge Alan Curtis of the 88th district court to make the trial closed to the public with the exception of the victims families. They argued the case has received a lot of attention from the press and finding a suitable jury could prove near to impossible. However, Judge Curtis denied the motion.

There was also discussion about the relevance of a number of firearms which prosecutors say Defendant Joshua Wirgau had stolen from his wife shortly before the murders. Police were able to find gun pieces in two separate rivers that prosecutors believe were tossed in by the defendants after the execution style murder of Hill near Lafarge. They also said their expert believes the pieces found were likely to be part of the same kind of weapon that was used to kill Hill.

Prosecutors also filed a motion to include statements from Defendant Brad Srebnik’s previous girlfriend who alleges abuse he committed towards her in the past.

Wirgau appeared in court virtually while Srebnik did not with his lawyer saying it could be because of recent medical issues, but he could not say for sure. The next hearing will be held on June 5.