A  Gwinnett County Superior Court judge has denied a motion to allow audio and video recording in the upcoming murder trial of three suspects accused of killing a Grayson High School teenager over his high-end sneakers.

Paul Sampleton, 14, was bound and shot in the head at his mother's town home in December 2012.  Expensive shoes, clothing, and electronics were taken.

Police say then 15-year-old Larnell Sillah and two other Grayson High students plotted the robbery of the teen while riding the school bus.  While the other two are not charged with killing Sampleton, Sillah, his 28-year-old uncle Andrew Murray, and 29-year-old Tavaughn Sailor will be tried together for the murder. Murray is representing himself in the case.

Judge Debra Turner cited security concerns among the reasons for denying the motion by WSB Radio and Television.

The state contends all three defendants are members of the street gang the "Bloods" and members affiliated with the gang have already attempted to influence at least one witness who is expected to testify at the trial.

It also says Murray's brother is a high-ranking member of another gang involved in the kidnapping of a prosecutor's father in Wake Forest who was eventually rescued by the FBI in Atlanta.

Even as jury selection in the case began Monday, security around the courtroom was heightened with an extra metal detector outside the doors and no bags, including purses, were allowed inside.

The trial is expected to last a month.