Judge bars cameras from hearings in Joseph Elledge case

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been changed to correct and clarify statements made in the courtroom.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Another pre-trial hearing took place Friday in the case of Joseph Elledge, who is charged with the first-degree murder of his wife Mengqi Ji.

Elledge is accused of killing his wife Mengqi Ji two years ago this month. Her body was found in Rock Bridge Memorial State Park earlier this year.

The judge took up the issue of cameras in the courtroom during Friday's hearing.

The defense presented a motion to ban media from pre-trial hearings where attorneys present evidence, saying that comments made during hearings could prejudice potential jurors. The defense accused Boone County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Knight of "poisoning the minds" of potential jurors through media coverage.

Knight took issue with that statement.

"They're trying to prevent me from being an effective advocate [in court]," Knight said in open court.

The judge ruled that cameras will not be allowed at any following pre-trial hearings where evidence is being presented.

There will be two more pre-trial hearings next week to discuss some possible limitations on questions that can be asked of potential jurors.

The trial is set to begin Nov. 1.