The attorney representing the woman who accused Chicago Blackhawks winger Patrick King of sexual assault withdrew his representation of her during a press conference on Thursday night.
Attorney Thomas J. Eoannou said he no longer could “effectively represent her.”
“I was brought the bag by my client’s mother who explained to me how she found the bag and my investigation reveals to me I do not have confidence in that version,” Eoannou said in a press conference. “Throughout this investigation, I have made every effort to zealously and honestly represent my client’s interests. Unfortunately, I can no longer effectively represent her.”
Eoannou was referencing an empty paper evidence bag, which he previously said should have held the woman’s rape kit. He said on Wednesday the bag was found on the porch of the woman’s mother’s home. It had a label with the accuser’s name, date of birth and the hospital where the rape kit was conducted.
Two police departments quickly disputed the lawyer’s claims on Thursday. Erie County Commissioner of Central Police Services John Glascott said all evidence was “accounted for and remains in its original packaging,” including the rape kit.
The woman accused Kane of raping her in his home outside Buffalo, New York, in early August, but no charges have been filed. The accuser’s family said they still plan on pursuing the case, USA Today reported.
Paul Cambria, who is representing Kane, responded after Eoannou’s announcement.
“I’m convinced he’ll thoroughly investigate this, that he’ll hold those accountable who are responsible. It’s clear from Eoannou’s comments a misrepresentation was made,” Cambria said.
Erie County District Attorney Frank Sedita, III plans to hold a press conference at 11 a.m. EST to address the alleged evidence tampering.
… and now the lens glare focuses solely on the accusers…
Sorry, but this stinks to high heaven. I can’t blame the guy for getting the hell away from it if it smells like an attempt to discredit inconvenient rape kit evidence. I suppose we’ll see how it turns out. As much as saying that exposes me to potential angry flaming, the reality is that if this woman IS faking stuff, then it does horrible damage to our efforts to get society to take rape accusations more seriously and not to engage in knee-jerk assumptions about “gold digging” and what-not. She’ll forever be the citation the assholes point to.
That being said, wealthy, famous sports stars/celebrities clearly need to learn not to run around town fucking starry-eyed young women who may want revenge when they realize they were just a one-night stand.