|
The Denver Post
Judge: Hearings will be behind closed doors
Friday, March 19, 2004 -
EAGLE - The judge in the Kobe Bryant sexual-assault case has determined both days of pre- trial hearings next week will be behind closed doors, as attorneys continue to feud over what evidence will be admitted into the public courtroom.
In a scheduling order made public Thursday, District Court Judge Terry Ruckriegle has set the proceedings Wednesday and Thursday to continue hearing evidence about the accuser's sexual history and arguments about whether to suppress statements the basketball star made to authorities shortly after the June 30 encounter. The 19-year-old accuser, who claims she was raped by Bryant in his room at the Lodge & Spa at Cordillera near Edwards, is expected to take the stand for the first time during the "rape shield" portion of the hearing, under a defense subpoena to determine if other sexual encounters could have led to her injuries or otherwise are relevant to the case. |