MILFORD -- There was heavy security Tuesday morning as accused cop killer Eric Frein was brought to the Pike County Courthouse for a hearing.
The pretrial hearing for Frein began around 9 a.m. at the courthouse in Milford.
Frein faces the death penalty if convicted of that deadly ambush outside the Blooming Grove barracks in 2014.
He was in court Tuesday as his attorneys tried to argue that punishment is unconstitutional.
When the judge ordered all reporters out of the courtroom for the next part of the hearing, Newswatch 16 objected, effectively ending the hearing until another day.
Frein is accused of the deadly ambush at the Blooming Grove state police barracks in September 2014 that left one trooper dead and another badly hurt. He was captured after a 48-day manhunt throughout the Poconos.
Frein's attorneys argue the death penalty is unconstitutional and want it taken off the table.
They also want a confession recorded the night of Frein's arrest to be thrown out.
Frein was brought into court very early while there were heavily armed sheriff's deputies keeping watch, all to ensure this high-profile case goes smoothly.
After both sides argued the constitutionality of the death penalty, Judge Greg Chelak announced the rest of the hearing concerning a defense motion to suppress evidence would be held without reporters in the courtroom.
The judge cited a criminal court rule dealing with widely publicized and sensational cases, claiming it gives him the authority to hold the public hearing without the media present.
In that hearing, Judge Chelak indicated evidence would be shown and attorneys, state police, and the mother of slain state police Corporal Bryon Dickson could stay.
Newswatch 16 objected and reporters were left to wait outside the courthouse until the judge decided the suppression hearing would be postponed until Friday.
Another hearing is set for Thursday to determine if reporters will be allowed in the courtroom.
The judge is expected to take weeks to decide if the death penalty can be applied in this case.
As for the defense request to throw out Frein's confession, that hearing is now scheduled for Friday morning.
