Judge denies release of fire truck dash cam video

BEAUFORT, SC (WTOC) - There is a lot of controversy surrounding the possible release of the dash cam video from the fire truck rampage in Beaufort.

On Thursday, Circuit Court Judge Carmen Mullen put a permanent restraining order on that video until a jury has been picked in the murder case against Kalvin Hunt. Authorities say after stealing the fire truck, Hunt caused multiple accidents before striking and killing a pedestrian. Judge Mullen called the video shocking and disturbing. She says releasing the video would taint a jury and prevent a fair trial.

"It's shocking and again it's already received a tremendous amount of pre-trial publicity. I honestly believe the release of it will make it that much worse," said Mullen.

"The state has a right to a fair trial and the victims have a right to a fair trial as well," said Solicitor Duffie Stone. "I believe the release of this video would jeopardize our ability to try this case. I don't' think a change of venue would cure that."

The defense, the victim's family and the State all objected to the video being released. Judge Mullen says the video will be released after a jury is picked. No court date has been scheduled at this time.

Copyright 2012 WTOC. All rights reserved.