Judge to rule on coverage for capital murder trial of North Kansas City police officer
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - A judge is expected to rule on a motion that could change the way you get information about the trial of a man charged with killing a North Kansas City police officer.
Daniel Vasquez in 2022. Prosecutors accuse Rocha of shooting the officer during a traffic stop that started over an expired temporary license plate.
Rocha’s lawyers asked a judge to limit or ban cameras during much of the trial. They argue the case is high profile and media coverage could impact the verdict.
In a court filing, Rocha’s attorneys requested the following four conditions:
- Prohibit audio and video coverage
- Allow courtroom sketches during the trial and sentencing phases
- Allow still photography during specific times of the trial, like during court breaks
- Reserve a section of the courtroom for the media to observe and take notes
KCTV5 and other Kansas City news outlets filed a motion to intervene this week. It asks the judge to allow cameras in the courtroom to record video and audio during the trial, without restrictions.
Rocha’s attorney pointed to examples such as the recent trial involving President Donald Trump was not televised, and cameras are not allowed in federal hearings.
An attorney representing media outlets responded to say that the trial isn’t taking place in federal court or in New York, and the Missouri Supreme Court has allowed cameras courts for more than two decades.
The attorney for the media went on to point out there is no exception for death penalty cases.
The judge is expected to rule on the motion Friday morning at 11 a.m.
Rocha’s trial is scheduled to begin on Sept. 15.
Copyright 2025 KCTV. All rights reserved.
