Semmie Williams files motion to close courtroom during competency hearing

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Semmie Williams, Jr. and his attorney are filing a motion to close the courtroom during Williams upcoming competency hearing.

Williams is accused of killing teenager Ryan Rogers in November.

The defense filed the motion after their request that Williams's competency hearing be held in the Circuit Court, rather than in the Mental Health Court, was denied.

According to the motion, despite the Circuit Court's previous ruling that Williams's recorded statement to police, as well as certain details regarding the case, were to be sealed from the public until a jury is seated, the defense is worried that this restriction will not be adhered to in the hearing should it take place in the Mental Health Court.

The defense is arguing that Williams has a history of mental illness and is not fit to stand trial, despite being found competent by two health experts during a hearing earlier this month.

According to the motion filed, the defense is offering an alternative to a closed courtroom, asking it be cleared during any part of the hearing which involved evidence, testimony, or argument that is protected from public disclosure.