Judge Denies Gag Order in Galanter Stabbing Case

A judge Friday denied a motion for a gag order that would have prevented prosecutors and police from discussing the evidence against the man accused of stabbing Los Angeles City Council candidate Ruth Galanter.

The attorney for defendant Mark Allen Olds, 27, had sought the gag order because of what he described as “extremely damaging” statements earlier this week by Police Chief Daryl F. Gates and Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Ira Reiner.

Both Gates and Reiner told reporters there was no question that Olds, a heroin addict, was responsible for the May 6 attack at Galanter’s Venice home in which the 46-year-old urban planner’s throat was slashed.

At Friday’s hearing, Olds’ attorney, James M. Epstein, showed the court videotapes of news reports about the case, saying that Gates’ and Reiner’s assertions would make it difficult for his client to receive a fair trial.

In denying the motion, Municipal Judge David Horwitz said: “What has been done has been done. I can’t undo what has been said by both the district attorney’s office and the chief of police. . . . A gag order at this time would be of no force and effect.”

Galanter, meanwhile, remained hospitalized at UCLA Medical Center, where she is listed in fair condition. “She continues to recover and is in good spirits,” the hospital said in a statement.

Hospital spokeswoman Karen LeBeau said she had “no idea” when Galanter might be released. Deputy Dist. Atty. Dale A. Davidson, who is prosecuting Olds, told Horwitz that he expects Galanter to be able to testify at a June 1 preliminary hearing.