Judge decides not to release police shooting video

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By ABC11

Friday, January 22, 2010

ASHEBORO, N.C. Last month, a Superior Court judge heard arguments from the family of 21-year-old Courtland Smith to have the videos from two Archdale police cars sealed.

On Friday, the judge announced he was siding with Smith's parents, who argued the video should remain sealed until the investigation is complete.

Attorneys for ABC11 and other media outlets tried to get the video released to determine what happened.

The Randolph County judge has said neither video showed Smith being shot.

Investigators claim Smith was suicidal.

A lawyer for Smith's family said the family doesn't dispute a prosecutor's description of the events that led to the shooting.

Officials say Smith hid his hands behind his back as he walked toward officers before suddenly showing a hand holding an object. Police later found a phone where he fell.