ND judge allowing TV coverage of shootout hearing

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A judge has refused a request to ban television and still cameras from the preliminary hearing of four people accused of conspiracy to commit robbery and murder.

Ashton Mink, his wife Jacquelin Mink, his sister Angela Mink, and Joshua Southwick face felony charges in a Dickinson video store robbery and a later shootout with police at a rural Gladstone ranch. They were captured June 6.

Jacquelin Mink sought to bar television and still camera coverage of the group's preliminary hearing in Dickinson. Monday's hearing will determine if there's enough evidence for a trial.

Judge Zane Anderson ruled Friday that coverage of the hearing does not jeopardize the group's right to a fair trial.

Anderson ruled the four could wear regular clothes instead of jail uniforms in court, and said any handcuffs or shackles have to be kept out of view.

Southwick and Ashton Mink escaped from an Alabama prison on May 25. Authorities say Jacquelin and Angela Mink helped in the escape.