Video evidence in trial of accused killer

PENSACOLA, Fla., Oct. 25 (UPI) -- A video of a home robbery that allegedly resulted in the killing of a Florida couple will be shown in the trial of a man accused in the killings, a judge says.

Circuit Judge Nick Geeker had ordered the videotape barred from public viewing last year at the request of the surviving family members of Byrd and Melanie Billings, shot and killed during a home invasion robbery, the Pensacola News Journal reported Monday.

Attorneys for Leonard Patrick Gonzalez Jr., facing two counts of first-degree murder in the July 9, 2009, shootings, argued the video should not be shown in his trial because it could potentially taint the jury pools for other defendants in the case.

Four other men allegedly taking part in the robbery also are to stand trial.

Geeker said despite his order barring public showing the surveillance footage would be treated like any other piece of evidence at trial.

Jury selection for Gonzalez's Escambia County trial began Monday.