Recalling a courtroom melee that broke out at a murder suspect’s arraignment, a judge warned the man’s relatives and others that she won’t tolerate outbursts.
Vermont District Court Judge Katherine Hayes _ now assigned to the case of 40-year-old Michael Christmas _ says anyone acting up in court will be removed. She says she’ll boot anyone who doesn’t obey court rules in attending hearings in the case.
On August 27th, a melee broke out in the Vermont District Court in Bennington after Christmas was arraigned in the slaying of 36-year-old Ronald Wilkins of North Bennington, with relatives of the men pushing and shouting before sheriff’s deputies and Vermont State Police troopers cleared the room.
At Tuesday’s hearing, Hayes said the trial would likely begin in March, though she set no date.