Episode Details

Stephan Sterns wants to keep his trial a private matter and is arguing to keep the public and the media out of the court room.  Sterns Public Defender, Alesha Smith, shows the judge a Powerpoint presentation of how many podcasts, Tik Tok, Reddit, and Youtube accounts are following the case, arguing the coverage is “unprecedented” and will make it impossible to have a fair trial.  The lawyer representing a number of news organizations, Minch Minchin, argues that Florida and U.S. courts consistenly rule proceedings are presumed to be open saying,  “Prominence does not produce prejudice, and juror impartiality, does not require ignorance.” Judge Keith Carsten says he will rule within 10 days.

This as 35 recorded jail phone calls between Sterns and his parents have been released. In the recording, you can hear Sterns say he found Maddie "ice cold" with her lips "turning blue." Sterns also says he wishes he had done the right thing and called 911.  To that his mother Debra replies, "I wish you had too."

Joining Nancy Grace today: 

• Philip Dubé - Former Court-Appointed Counsel, Los Angeles County Public Defenders: Criminal & Constitutional Law, Forensics & Mental Health Advocacy 
• Caryn Stark  - Psychologist, renowned TV and Radio trauma expert and consultant, www.carynstark.com, Instagram: carynpsych, FB: Caryn Stark Private Practice, 
• Tom Smith  -  Former NYPD Detective for 30 years,   Co-Host of the GOLD SHIELDS Podcast, thegoldshieldshow.com, FB & Instagram: @thegoldshieldshow
• Barry Hutchison - Former 26 year law enforcement veteran and detective, now owner & Chief Investigator for Barry & Associates Investigative Services located in Kansas & Missouri, www.pibarry.com
• Anna Sonoda - Child sex abuse, Grooming expert, Clinical Social Worker, Counsels convicted sex offenders, Author, “Duck Duck Groom”,
• Joseph Scott Morgan  - Professor of Forensics: Jacksonville State University, Author, "Blood Beneath My Feet", Host: "Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan", @JoScottForensic
• Shannon Butler  -  Investigative Reporter  WFTV Channel 9  Florida   
• Dave Mack  -Crime Online.com Investigative Reporter

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