James L. Spies - a regular commentator when news stations need expert legal analysis.
As a regular resource when news stations need expert legal analysis, James comments on the case of Andrew Lester.
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The case file for Andrew Lester, the man accused of shooting Kansas City teen Ralph Yarl after he went to the wrong house, will have part of his case file sealed from the public.
James Spies, an attorney in KCK, has worked as both a prosecutor and now a criminal defense attorney. He has no involvement in the Lester case.
He said the decision was made in part to help provide a fair trial for Lester.
"I think the judge is trying to minimize any further impact and assure that this gentleman receives a fair trial, so that I don't think it's unreasonable that discoverable materials be prohibited from being disclosed," Spies said.
The judge said extensive local, national and international coverage of the shooting has already eroded Lester's ability to get a fair trial.
The judge also said social media posts and public comments from celebrities and politicians, including President Biden and Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, are telling the public and a potential jury pool Lester's actions are indefensible.
