CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A judge has decided to close the preliminary hearing in a Wyoming case involving a man accused of murder and sexual abuse of a minor.

Albany County Circuit Court Judge Robert Castor issued the ruling Tuesday in Cheyenne to keep the press and public out of the preliminary hearing and court documents in the case.

Castor says if the case is bound over to District Court for trial, the case files and proceedings will be open to the public.

Castor's decision follows an appeal and subsequent order by Judge Catherine Rogers to reconsider a previous Circuit Court ruling to close the case.

Public defender Diane Lozano argued "inflammatory" media coverage could lead to a biased jury and unfair trial.

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