Rocky Mountain News: State

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URL: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/state/article/0,1299,DRMN_21_2560462,00.html

Bryant defense gets extension on DNA testing

By Rocky Mountain News
January 8, 2004

Kobe Bryant's defense lawyers won more time Wednesday to obtain affidavits from experts on DNA testing.

The defense team wants the experts to support its contention that a defense representative should be present during upcoming DNA testing at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

A hearing on the defense request is scheduled for Jan. 23.

Eagle County District Judge Terry Ruckriegle gave the defense team an extra week, ordering the affidavits to be filed by Monday.

The defense lawyers said they needed more time because of difficulty in contacting DNA experts during the holidays.

The 25-year-old basketball star is accused of raping a 19-year-old woman on June 30 at a mountain resort near Vail, where she worked.

Bryant, who is married, has admitted having sex with the woman but said it was consensual.