EXCLUSIVE: Lawyers for illegal immigrant accused of murdering wife in Washington ask judge to block media from filming him in court

In a motion filed by public defenders Rose Boughton and Jessamine Anderson of the King County Department of Public Defense, obtained by The Ari Hoffman Show on Talk Radio 570 KVI, the attorneys argued that their client’s image should not be broadcast from the arraignment or any other hearing until more information is available from the state. The defense said they have not yet received full discovery from prosecutors and noted that identity could still be at issue in the case.

Gonzalez Medina, a Mexican national, has been charged with premeditated first-degree murder for allegedly waiting up to 40 minutes before ambushing his wife, Hana Gonzalez, as she got into her vehicle in Shoreline on October 27. Prosecutors allege that he fired multiple times through both sides of the car, reloading, then firing again before fleeing the scene. Investigators had to use interpreters to communicate with Gonzalez Medina, who primarily speaks Spanish.

According to court filings obtained by Hoffman, Gonzalez Medina contacted relatives in Mexico, telling his sister that he had “made the worst mistake of his life” and was planning to return there with his children. Prosecutors have cited these international family ties as a flight risk in their request for $5 million bail.

The defense motion highlights the case’s widespread media attention: “Given the prior media coverage, defense anticipates media presence at Mr. Gonzalez Medina’s arraignment.”

His attorneys argued that showing him “in jail garb next to defense counsel” would irreversibly color public perception and jeopardize the presumption of innocence guaranteed under both the US and Washington State Constitutions.

They referenced General Rule 16 (GR 16), which gives judges full discretion to control photography and video coverage in courtrooms. While open access is presumed, the rule requires express permission from the presiding judge before any media outlet can film or photograph inside the courtroom. “There are good reasons to prohibit photographing, videotaping, and filming, at a minimum, Mr. Gonzalez Medina’s face,” the defense wrote.

Under GR 16, judges may limit media access if they find “sufficiently compelling” reasons related to the fairness and dignity of the proceedings. Defense attorneys said the unusually high level of public interest makes this a textbook case for restrictions.

“Photographs and videos taken now in court are likely to be rebroadcast throughout the life of the case and redistributed as the trial date approaches,” the motion reads. “Such imagery will negatively impact the presumption of innocence.”

Gonzalez Medina faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted of the current charge, plus an additional five years for using a homemade 9mm pistol with no serial number, which was later found hidden in a cemetery. Eleven shell casings were recovered at the scene.

A King County Superior Court judge will consider the motion during upcoming pretrial proceedings. If granted, media outlets could be barred from capturing images or video of Gonzalez Medina during the remainder of the case.

On Friday, federal immigration authorities confirmed an ICE detainer had been filed against Gonzalez Medina.

His arraignment and bail hearing are expected to continue in November as the defense begins to review discovery materials and prepare its case.