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Beatty To Testify About Missing Emails

DETROIT (WWJ) - She was once former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's Chief of Staff and mistress. Christine Beatty is expected to testify in federal court Wednesday on whether she intentionally destroyed evidence in the Tamara Greene murder investigation.

Greene family lawyer Norman Yatooma is suing Kilpatrick and the city, claiming they intentionally destroyed e-mails that could help in Greene's death investigation.

WWJ and Fox2 Legal Analyst Charlie Langton said Wednesday's hearing will be limited in scope.

"I think Norman Yatooma will try to get as much out of Christine Beatty as he possibly can. However, the judge in this case is actually keeping this thing pretty close to the issue," Langton said. "The only issue is whether or not Christine has any knowledge as whether or not text messages, emails, or any city of Detroit computer were destroyed. That's it."

Kilpatrick and the city have denied any wrongdoing. They have asked a federal judge to throw out the lawsuit.

In a separate civil case, Kilpatrick and Beatty were charged after explicit text messages were found on Beatty's city-issued pager proving that they lied. Both served jail time.

"She didn't testify particularly well the last time she did take the stand," Langton said. "I don't know that this is going to be any better."

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