By Kevin Jefferies
Hunt County – A partial gag order has been issued in the murder trial of 23 year old Adam Ward of Commerce. Following a hearing yesterday, Judge Richard A. Beacom instructed the lawyers in the case to not discuss details of the trial with media. He did not, however, completely seal the file from public access. Beacom said sealing future motions would be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Defense lawyers had filed a motion for a gag order, fearing Ward would be unable to receive a fair trial due to media coverage of the case.
Ward stands trial under capital murder charges after the shooting death of Michael Pee Wee Walker. Walker was performing duties as a Code Enforcement Officer for the City of Commerce on June 13th when he was shot to death in front of Ward's home.