A Las Vegas judge has ordered a cosmetologist to cover up a defendant’s neck and facial tattoos that include a swastika and the words “Most Wanted” on each day of his robbery trial.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that District Judge Richard Scotti decided that Bayzle Morgan’s tattoos should be concealed in an effort to get him a fair trial.
Morgan has tattoos including a swastika inside a clover under his eye, the words “Skin Head” on his eyebrows and “Baby Nazi” written across his neck.
It comes after an entire group of potential jurors said last month that they couldn’t be impartial after seeing Morgan’s tattoos. A new group will see him in makeup starting Monday.
Defense attorney Dan Bunin says he supports the move.
Morgan also has been charged with murder in a separate case.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
That Judge needs to be removed; the alleged felon used his tats to make a statement; let the public (jury) hear and read his statement loud and clear! Enoufh of this coddling killers in the name of what, fairness?
Exactly, Dave!
I can’t believe someone would be stupid enough to pay to have that sludge tattooed on his face. At least the judge has enough sense to order it covered. If this clown was allowed to go to court with that showing he would probably use the tattoos as grounds for a new trial when he appeals his conviction.
Mr. Morgan was proud of these tattoos when he received them. And with the felony charges against him Mr. Morgan’s incarceration in Carson City prison is virtually guaranteed. And when he arrives at this prison he will proudly display these tattoos to the Aryan Brotherhood gangs . The tattoos, and his crimes, will earn him status with these gangs when he enters prison.
These tatoos were chosen as a permanent statement by the defendent. That he chose to make that statement permanent with tattoos for everyone to see should be left there so that the jury can see who he is and what he thinks and what motivated him. No way should the judge try to defend who he is. Let the jury decide.