SOUTH BEND — The attorney for Terry Sturgis asked a judge this morning to stop jury selection until Sturgis is able to get a haircut and clean shave.
St. Joseph Superior Court Judge Jane Woodward Miller denied the motion, but said she would see if the St. Joseph County Jail barber can groom Sturgis during a lunch break today.
Sturgis has not had a shave or haircut since he was booked into jail in November, his attorney said. His beard is uneven and has grown well past his chin.
Sturgis is on trial for allegedly beating his 10-year-old son to death in November and abusing his other children over a three-year period.
Sturgis told the judge that he has been asking jail officials for a haircut and shave for the last three months and was assured he would have one before trial.
"I've been doing everything by the book, everything," Sturgis told the court.
Sturgis said the jail did give him a razor last night, but it was dull and he had to keep his handcuffs on.
After a five-minute discussion on the shaving issue, the judge said she wanted to move forward with the jury selection, as the court is already behind schedule in finding jurors.
"Is there a case on some constitutional right to have a haircut and shave?" the judge asked.
Kimmell replied: "I think there's a right to look presentable."
Watch WSBT News at 5 and 6 for updates
St. Joseph Superior Court Judge Jane Woodward Miller denied the motion, but said she would see if the St. Joseph County Jail barber can groom Sturgis during a lunch break today.
Sturgis has not had a shave or haircut since he was booked into jail in November, his attorney said. His beard is uneven and has grown well past his chin.
Sturgis is on trial for allegedly beating his 10-year-old son to death in November and abusing his other children over a three-year period.
Sturgis told the judge that he has been asking jail officials for a haircut and shave for the last three months and was assured he would have one before trial.
"I've been doing everything by the book, everything," Sturgis told the court.
Sturgis said the jail did give him a razor last night, but it was dull and he had to keep his handcuffs on.
After a five-minute discussion on the shaving issue, the judge said she wanted to move forward with the jury selection, as the court is already behind schedule in finding jurors.
"Is there a case on some constitutional right to have a haircut and shave?" the judge asked.
Kimmell replied: "I think there's a right to look presentable."
Watch WSBT News at 5 and 6 for updates
