A judge on Tuesday denied a request that would keep the media out of the courtroom for future cases involving the man charged with murder in the death of Paso Robles resident Nancy Woodrum.
Carlo Alberto FuentesFlores has pleaded not guilty to murder and special circumstances that allege the 62-year-old’s death occurred during a rape or attempted rape and during the commission of a burglary. The criminal complaint filed against the 42-year-old also alleges that the murder was premeditated.
During a motion hearing Tuesday in a San Luis Obispo courtroom, the defense requested the judge close all future proceedings in FuentesFlores’ case, arguing the potential influence social media could have on a jury trial.
The judge denied the request but did say the defense could still request certain evidence presented in the case be sealed.
FuentesFlores is being held in San Luis Obispo County Jail in connection with the disappearance and murder of Woodrum, who was a popular hairdresser last seen alive in May 2018.
FuentesFlores was arrested in December after the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office says he led them to Woodrum’s body off Highway 58 in eastern San Luis Obispo County.
Investigators still haven’t revealed a motive, but say FuentesFlores was hired to paint the deck on Woodrum’s property in the week leading up to her disappearance.
He is due back in court for a pre-preliminary hearing on June 27.
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Suspect in Nancy Woodrum’s murder enters not guilty plea
