Murder case records sealed

Fair-trial issues, safety concerns cited by judge in withholding papers

By Raul Hernandez (Contact)
Ventura County Star Tuesday, April 17, 2007

A judge ruled Monday that portions of a grand jury transcript and criminal file involving a man accused of killing two people and facing the death penalty should be kept out of the public eye.

Ventura County Superior Court Judge Rebecca Riley cited public safety concerns, fair-trial issues and an ongoing investigation that could lead to more arrests in her decision regarding defendant Randolph Clifton Kling.

"This court is not closing the courtroom but sealing certain records," said Riley.

Kling, 50, of San Bernardino is charged with murdering Michael Budfuloski of Simi Valley and his father, William Budfuloski of Lancaster, allegedly for financial gain. Prosecutors have said there could be another arrest in the case.

Riley said she is concerned that a case of this magnitude could make it difficult to get a fair trial in Ventura County, adding that she weighed First Amendment issues before making her decision.

Attorney Ron Bamieh, who represents the Ventura County Star, later said the media organization will get copies of all available documents in the case and review them. The Star will then decide whether to appeal Riley's decision, he said. The Star has opposed the sealing of records and closing of the courtroom.

Senior District Attorney Cheryl Temple and attorney Melanie Miles of the Public Defender's Office had made a verbal request to Riley to seal the documents and close the courtroom during certain hearings.

The grand jury indictment also charges Kling with animal cruelty in the death of William Budfuloski's dog, and illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and a forged driver's license.

Kling has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Michael Budfuloski was shot several times in the front doorway of his home on Feb. 24, 2004, according to published reports. William Budfuloski was killed in August 2003 while working at his Lancaster business, Budco Fabrications.