FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO) – An Allen County judge has issued a gag order on a case involving the death of a five-year-old boy.
Daniel Pope is accused of beating Benjamyn Frederick to death in March 2018.
Last month, both the prosecution and defense asked for the judge to seal records relating to whether the Department of Child Services could have prevented the boy’s death.
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Our partners in news at ABC 21 report both argued that releasing those records could have a negative impact on the murder case against Pope.
The order by Judge Frances Gull now bars “any party, including the Department of Child Services and the Allen County Family Relations Division, from releasing any information or opinions” regarding the case.
A pretrial conference is set for May 24, with the trial scheduled to begin in July.
