Bomb trial closed

The older teens charged with plotting to blow up Albemarle and WAHS get a closed trial, courtesy of their alleged co-conspirators, who are 13 and protected from public scrutiny by their ages. In the courtroom this morning, the lawyer for the 15-year-old AHS student moved for a separate trial, while the Commonwealth wanted all four teens tried together. Media General sent a lawyer to try to keep the hearing open, to no avail.

Judge Susan Whitlock ruled that judicial constraints and the number of witnesses precluded separate trials, and the confidentiality of the 13 year olds outweighed the public's right to hear the evidence presented against the juveniles. Reporters were sent packing.