Defense attorneys for George Huguely, who is charged with the first-degree murder of fourth year UVA student and lacrosse player Yeardley Love, have filed an second motion to obtain Love’s medical records after a first request was denied in April by Charlottesville District Court Judge Robert Downer.
In court on Wednesday evening, the defense also asked that an upcoming hearing on the release of Love’s medical records be closed to the public. Attorney Rhonda Quagliana told Charlottesville Circuit Court Judge Edward Hogshire that it would be “appropriate” to hold the hearing, newly scheduled for Monday, November 7, behind closed doors.
Commonwealth Attorney Dave Chapman agreed and told Judge Hogshire that “in light of the sensitivity of the issues,” and the timing of proceedings, it would be “wise” to have the hearing closed to the public to “minimize” the amount of available information that could potentially influence a local jury.
The last time the release of medical records was in question, Huguely’s attorneys hired Jack Daniel, a medical consultant, who testified that the records could show whether the drug Adderall and other substances could have caused Love cardiac arrhythmia, a condition that can sometimes be fatal.
Love was found dead on May 3, 2010 in her apartment on 14th Street. Huguely confessed to shaking Love against her bedroom wall until she bled. If convicted, he could face life in prison.
Between now and November 7, Judge Hogshire will review the transcripts of the previous hearings, which include the medical testimony, and will then decide whether or not to keep the hearing open to the public.
For more about the April hearing, click here and for more background click here.