District Judge Peter Ruddick issued a gag order to prevent lawyers from talking to the media about substantive issues, such as a possible plea agreement for Hall, whether Hall confessed, Hall's criminal record as a juvenile, DNA test results or evidence related to the case.

Lawyers may discuss only basics, such as the charges, the fact that the investigation continues and the place and time of the arrest.

The order says lawyers can “make no extra-judicial statement that could materially prejudice the criminal proceeding,” according to the District Attorney's Office.

“District Attorney Phill Kline concurs with this order and believes it is consistent with his own stated position regarding pre-trial publicity as it relates to this case,” according to office spokes-man Brian Burgess.

Hall appeared briefly in court June 14 to hear Ruddick set a 9 a.m. Aug. 15 date for a preliminary hearing on the first-degree murder and aggravated kidnapping charges.

Smith disappeared June 2 moments after leaving the Target adjacent to Oak Park Mall. Searchers recovered her body near Longview Lake in southern Jackson County on June 6 and on the same day the state filed charges against Hall.

If convicted, Hall faces from 25 years to life in prison for the murder charge, and more than 12 years for aggravated kidnapping. He is held at New Century Adult Detention Facility in Gardner.

Comments on "Lawyers will have nothing to say about Edwin “Jack” Hall, 26, Olathe, who stands accused of kidnapping and murdering Kelsey Smith, 18, Overland Park."

Comments are limited to 200 words or less.