04-11-2011, 03:56 PM
ABC
The lawyer for the woman accused of murdering 10-year-old Australian girl Zahra Baker in the US has complained his client is being treated differently because of the publicity around the case.
Looking slightly disheveled, Elisa Baker, 42, shuffled into court in North Carolina with her hands and legs in shackles.
She was expected to enter a plea but that did not happen.
Lawyers are still arguing over whether she can get a fair trial in Newton, or whether the case should be moved.
Defense lawyer Scott Reilly said forcing his client to appear in court while lawyers discussed how to proceed with her case was unnecessary.
"I just think she's being treated differently, quite frankly, and I want to ensure that doesn't happen," he said.
He says Baker cannot get a fair trial near the town where the 10-year-old lived.
The lawyer for the woman accused of murdering 10-year-old Australian girl Zahra Baker in the US has complained his client is being treated differently because of the publicity around the case.
Looking slightly disheveled, Elisa Baker, 42, shuffled into court in North Carolina with her hands and legs in shackles.
She was expected to enter a plea but that did not happen.
Lawyers are still arguing over whether she can get a fair trial in Newton, or whether the case should be moved.
Defense lawyer Scott Reilly said forcing his client to appear in court while lawyers discussed how to proceed with her case was unnecessary.
"I just think she's being treated differently, quite frankly, and I want to ensure that doesn't happen," he said.
He says Baker cannot get a fair trial near the town where the 10-year-old lived.