Stayner’s Defense Attorney Questions FBI Agent

The defense attorney for accused Yosemite killer Cary Stayner says Stayner may not have realized he wasn´t under arrest when an FBI agent interrogated him.

Defense attorney Marcia Morrissey questions whether FBI agent Jeffrey Rinek used coercive tactics to elicit a confession.

Morrissey cross-examined Rinek in court today and asked if he flattered Stayner during the interrogation to get information from him.

Rinek says he talked to Stayner about what was bothering him, including being molested as a child.

Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Thomas Hastings had blocked public access to some testimony from Rinek saying publicity of the trial could prejudice a jury.

Several news organizations including the Associated Press have sued to open the hearings to the public.