All evidence in the Joe McKnight shooting case will be shielded from public view, after a Louisiana judge granted a protective order at the request of the District Attorney.
That means that police reports, autopsy reports, forensic reports and any other evidentiary reports can only be viewed by the lawyers in the case.
The New Orleans Advocate and WDSU-TV reported the developments.
RELATED: Details emerge in the shooting of Joe McKnight
In addition, the suspect, Ronald Gassar, is expected back in court March 10.
Jefferson Parish District Attorney Paul Connick's office sought the order to protect the privacy of McKnight and his family — and some of the evidence is shock, like a photo that shows McKnight, the former college star at USC who was trying to put his football career back together again, lay motionless on the concrete pavement, between two cars, as a man stands over him.
The photo, which can be seen in the Outside the Lines report by ESPN, is the latest development in a road rage case that resulted in the death of McKnight, 28, in December.
Gasser, 54, has been charged with second-degree murder and now faces life in prison without the possibility of parole. Gasser was originally arrested on a manslaughter charge back in December, but he was indicted on the more serious charge last month. As a result, the court increased his bond, to $750,000 from $500,000, according to a report in CBS News. The remains in custody.
Ronald Gasser (left) and Joe McKnight. Source, Vibe Magazine via Twitter
McKnight played three seasons at USC, registering 2,213 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. He also had 542 yards receiving over his career and two touchdowns through the air.
McKnight played four years in the NFL. He was drafted in the fourth round by the New York Jets, where he played four three seasons. He last appeared in the NFL in 2014 with the Kansas City Chiefs. At the time of his death, he was hoping for another chance at playing pro ball.
