Billings Murder: Crime Scene Photos Public

Eight suspects, their attorneys and dozens of law enforcement officers packed three rows inside a Pensacola courtroom.

The last time all eight suspects were together was the night investigators say seven of the men killed Byrd and Melanie Billings while the eighth suspect, the only woman charged in the case, waited at a nearby antique mall to help hide the evidence.

Friday's court hearing addressed whether surveillance photos and crime scene pictures should be made public.

"The only bone of contention was whether the public and the media have the right to view the video surveillance," said Dennis Larry, who represents the Associated Press and Pensacola News Journal.

Larry argued the images are public record, while family members, including the Billings' daughter, feared their release would bring more pain.

"Having to relive it everyday would be more traumatic to us," said Ashley Markham. "Just the visual aspect of it, having to see it replayed.

The judge decided to make the the photos available for the public and media to see, but not copy or publish. The pictures will be kept in the Florida State Attorney's office in Pensacola, a compromise both sides agreed was fair.

"We are very pleased with the order that the court has ruled," said Markham. "We believe that it will help us move forward that they did look into the interest of our privacy."

Leonard "Pat" Gonzalez, Jr., 35, Leonard Gonzalez, Sr., 56, Wayne Coldiron, 41, Gary Sumner, 30, Fredrick Thornton, 19, Donnie Stallworth, 28, and Rakeem Florence, 16 are charged with capital murder in the case. Pamela Long-Wiggins is charged as an accessory after the crime.