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PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona death row inmate Dale Shawn Hausner wants the news media kept out of a court hearing on whether the convicted serial killer is mentally competent to waive further appeals.

Hausner's lawyer made the disclosure during a court hearing Friday without explaining why Hausner wants reporters and cameras kept out the April hearing.

The judge will hear from Hausner and mental health experts during the April hearing.

The judge says he'll hold an earlier hearing to allow media organizations to object once a formal motion is filed.

Hausner wants his execution scheduled as soon as possible.

He was convicted of six murders and other crimes in Phoenix-area random shootings in 2005 and 2006.

The Arizona Supreme Court ruled on Hausner's only automatic appeal by upholding his death sentences.