SEATTLE -- The couple charged with killing six people in Carnation on Christmas Eve will not have to wear shackles or prison jumpsuits during their preliminary hearings.

King County Superior Court Judge Cheryl Carey made those findings Tuesday at the request of lawyers for Joseph McEnroe and Michele Anderson. The judge also decided that photographers will be allowed to take pictures of the defendants during court hearings.

The decision to allow the pair to be in court without jail clothing or handcuffs was made over an objection from the jail.

"The issue of escape is a real one," said Nancy Balin a county deputy prosecutor representing the jail. "This is the only secure courtroom in this courthouse and the trial is not going to occur in this courtroom."

The judge said security could be added.

The pair are accused of gunning down six members of Anderson's family: her parents, her brother, his wife, and their two young children.

Their arraignment is scheduled for Thursday when McEnroe and Anderson are expected to enter pleas to six counts of murder.

After the arraignment, prosecutors will have 30 days to decide whether to seek the death penalty.