The Denver Post
Bryant lawyers fight statement release
Friday, August 20, 2004 -
Kobe Bryant's statements to detectives investigating allegations that he raped a 19-year-old Eagle woman should not be made public with jury selection a week away, his lawyers said Thursday.
Public disclosure could lead to a media frenzy that would deny both the basketball star and his alleged victim a fair trial, said Hal Haddon, one of Bryant's lawyers. Several news organizations are seeking the release. In July, District Judge Terry Ruckriegle ruled that the contents of a 75-minute interview of Bryant conducted by Detectives Doug Winters and Dan Loya can be heard by the jury. The two detectives went to the Lodge & Spa at Cordillera in the early hours of July 2, 2003, after learning from a nurse that the alleged victim had suffered "penetrating genital trauma in the vaginal area." The woman claims she was raped on June 30, 2003. Bryant says the sex was consensual. Ruckriegle conducted closed hearings to determine whether Bryant's statements could be heard by jurors. The judge determined they could be, dismissing defense claims that the detectives used unsavory tactics and failed to advise Bryant of his rights to remain silent and consult an attorney.
Staff writer Howard Pankratz can be reached at 303-820-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com . |