August 15,2008
CLEARWATER - A judge ruled today that it's OK for the public to see but not publish crime scene photos from the Tarpon Springs mobile park where the woman known as the "D.C. Madam" hanged herself.
"While the photographs are public record and should be able to be reviewed … they should not be able to be duplicated or published," Circuit Judge Linda R. Allen said in her ruling.
Palfrey's mother, Blanche Elizabeth Palfrey, 76, wept as she expressed gratitude after the ruling was reached.
Testifying earlier today, Palfrey said, "This is the last thing I can do for my daughter. Please don't let these pictures get out in public."
Allen instructed Tarpon Springs police to allow anyone who requests a viewing to see and touch the photos but not to copy, publish or broadcast them. They will be available once the investigation into the death is complete.
Scott Brockew, a Tarpon Springs detective in charge of the investigation, testified today that the investigation should wrap up "in the near future."
Allen said it was important for her to balance the privacy rights of the Palfrey family with the public's right to know. Her decision falls in line with a ruling over crime scene photos following the Gainesville serial killings in August 1990. Danny Rolling was put to death for those crimes in 2006.
News organizations asked under Florida's public records law to inspect the photographs, a request opposed by Palfrey as a violation of her privacy. She filed a lawsuit against Tarpon Springs to prevent release of the photos.
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