Cop-Beating Video Will Stay Under Seal: Judge Agrees It's Gonna Go Viral Big-Time

Rodney King might be wondering if Houston can get along

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A federal judge has ruled that the video of Houston cops beating a 16-year-old handcuffed suspect will be kept under wraps until trial, and his reasoning gives even more credence to the theory that when it finally comes out, it's going to be inflammatory.

U.S. Judge Ewing Werlein said releasing the high-quality tape, which he viewed in chambers, would prejudice potential jurors.

He cites extensively from a Houston Chronicle op-ed piece by Bill King with the incredibly stupid headline "Get ready for Houston's image to take a beating" and says he agrees with it.
King wrote:

he common term used to describe the scene by those who have seen the video is "nauseating." Apparently when the young man was finally cornered, he fell on the ground with his hands behind his head. Notwithstanding his attempt to surrender, the officers proceeded to hold Holley down and take turns severely beating him. One of people who had viewed the video told me that the violence is so brutal and graphic that it is comparable to the 1991 Rodney King-Los Angeles Police Department video.

Judge Werlein wrote:

After viewing the the videotape in camera, the Court -- without commenting on the columnist's understanding of what is depicted -- concludes that the Houston Chronicle columnist Bill King has presented a credible assessment of the widespread pervasive exposure, and opinionated commentary, that in all likelihood will result if this item if evidence is released before trial.

Several TV stations and the Chron had hired lawyers to file motions seeking the tape.