By Shayna Jacobs
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN SUPREME COURT — A Manhattan Supreme Court judge said he will rule Friday on whether or not Linda Stein's daughters can attend the trial of the assistant accused of murdering the ex-Ramones manager.
Natavia Lowery, 28, is accused killing Stein, who was celebrity realtor and ex-Ramones manager.
Judge Richard Carruthers will rule on whether Stein's daughters — Samantha and Mandi — may attend the trial as spectators, despite the fact that they are expected to testify. Normally witnesses are not allowed to be in the audience.
"It would be a heartache for these young women not to be able to see this trial in full," Assistant District Attorney Joan Illuzzi-Orbon told the judge at a hearing on Thursday. "This is urgent for them. This is the most important thing in their lives right now."
Lowery was Stein's personal assistant and will stand trial for murder, grand larceny and other charges once a jury is selected. She is accused of bludgeoning her boss after using her identity to steal over the course of several months.
Among other decisions, Carruthers will rule on whether prosecutors must provide Stein's banking records to Lowery's attorneys.
Defense attorneys argue they are entitled to the information because of the theft charges against Lowery, while prosecutors maintain the records should be kept confidential.
