NEWBERRY (WACH) -- Attorneys representing the man accused of the murder and dragging of a Midlands man last month are requesting a gag order be placed on the trial.
Nineteen-year-old Gregory Collins is headed to trial accused of the murder of 30-year-old Anthony Hill.
Hill's body was found in Newberry after officials say he was shot to death, then dragged behind a pick-up truck for several miles down rural roads in early June.
Collins' lawyers say comments made by Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster ignited "excessive publicity."
There has been plenty of other controversy surrounding the case.
The New Black Panther Party has been vocal about their opinion that the incident should be classified as a hate crime.
Authorities continue their investigation, but say it's unclear as to whether it was a hate crime.
The hearing for the gag order request will be held Friday morning at 10 a.m. in Newberry.
Click here to read the entire motion for the gag order from Collins' attorneys.
Check back Friday for the very outcome of the hearing.
Related Stories:
New Black Panthers march in Newberry - Saturday, July 17, 2010Newberry County is once again under the microscope after Anthony Hill, 30, was murdered and his body dragged behind a truck June 2.
Newberry residents want answers in brutal murder of Anthony Hill -
Thursday, July 08, 2010A community comes together in search of answers
New Black Panthers rally in Columbia demanding justice -
Tuesday, July 06, 2010The group wants authorities to classify the murder of 30-year-old Anthony Hill as a hate crime.
Investigators to address shooting/dragging concerns -
Monday, July 05, 2010Officials say there are many concerns coming from the community about the death of a Winnsboro black man who was fatally shot, then dragged behind a truck for 10 miles on rural roads last month.
Investigators: Misinformation may hamper dragging death case -
Friday, June 11, 2010Newberry County officials continue their investigation into the death of a Kershaw County man who was shot then dragged behind a truck for 10 miles. But investigators are worried that misinformation may get in the way of their ongoing work.
Police: More than 20 guns in Newberry suspect's home -
Friday, June 04, 2010South Carolina investigators say they found more than 20 guns in the home of a white man accused of shooting and killing a black man and then dragging his body 10 miles down country roads.
SC police: Black man shot to death, body dragged -
Thursday, June 03, 2010A 19-year-old white South Carolina man has made his first court appearance after being charged in the shooting death of a black man whose body was dragged for 10 miles behind a truck.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWACH