Judge denies Spierer family request

A federal judge has denied a request to seal evidence in the case against two men who were among the last seen with missing IU student Lauren Spierer.

Parents Rob and Charlene Spierer requested in January that certain evidence in the ongoing investigation be kept private. Testimony, transcripts, witness statements and videos are among the selected evidence the Spierers wish to be withheld. The order, filed Wednesday by U.S. Magistrate Judge Tim Baker, notes that the request is "overbroad."

Attorneys for defendants Jason Rosenbaum and Corey Rossman filed motions in February opposing the protective order. The Spierers' request, writes Baker, does not specifically list what evidence would compromise the case if left open — and with that, is too vague.

This order is the latest in the civil suit filed last May by the Spierers. Rob and Charlene Spierer allege the two men owed their daughter, then 20-year-old sophomore Lauren, "duty of care" after reportedly providing her alcohol when she was already intoxicated.

That night, Lauren consumed multiple drinks with Rossman at Kilroy’s Sports Bar, later attending a party at Rosenbaum’s residence, where she continued to drink, according to court documents. She then reportedly returned to Rossman's residence in the same complex.

Lauren has yet to be located since she went missing in the early morning hours of June 3, 2011.

Michael Majchrowicz