Court Rules Against Photographer’s Appeal

The Court of Appeals ruled against The Santa Barbara Independent’s appeal of contempt charges stemming from photographer Paul Wellman’s refusal to turn over about 300 photographs taken in the aftermath of the murder of 14-year-old Luis Angel Linares. Attorney Karen Atkins claimed the photos could help the case of her client, accused murderer Ricardo Juarez. The Independent countered that Atkins failed to adequately prove that the photographs would be helpful. In November, Judge Brian Hill ordered Wellman to submit the photographs. When Wellman and The Independent declined, pending appeal, Hill found them in contempt of court.