A judge on Friday refused to allow cameras in the courtroom during the proceedings for a 16-year-old being tried as an adult for the alleged murder of his grandparents.

Buchanan County Associate Circuit Judge Keith Marquart sustained an objection lodged by the defendant to the camera request, and agreed to prohibit the recording or photographing of the defendant.

Judge Marquart scheduled the case for a status review hearing and preliminary hearing docket call August 21.

He rejected any changes to Mr Johnson’s bail status.  The judge overruled a motion by the state to deny bond, and denied another motion filed by the defense to reduce the defendant’s bail.   Mr Johnson remains in custody under $250,000 bail.

Johnson was certified to be tried as an adult on August 12. A short time later prosecutors filed two counts of first degree murder. They also filed alternative counts of second degree murder for each of the two alleged homicides.

The charges stem from the fatal shooting of Johnson’s grandparents James and Beverly Johnson at the home they shared with the defendant on Hurlingen Road in eastern Buchanan County.

The victims were found during the early-morning hours of July 4.