Lawyer For Patrick Kane Accuser Withdraws From Case
By Adam Gretz/CBS Hockey Writer
The lawyer that had been representing a woman that is accusing Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane of sexual assault called a press conference on Thursday night to announce that he is withdrawing from the case and will no longer represent his client.
Thomas J. Eoannou said that his reason for stepping away is due to new information he has received about the evidence bag that was placed at the front door of the alleged victim's mother's home this week. Eoannou stated that he has an ethical obligation to report that he does not have confidence in how the bag was found and is uncomfortable with the mother's version of the events.
"The manner in which it was presented to me and in which I received it, I am uncomfortable, and do not believe the version of events is accurate," said Eoannou. "I called this press conference to let everyone know my concerns and that I am withdrawing from the case."
Throughout his meeting with the media in his office on Thursday, Eoannou repeatedly stated that he believes the bag is authentic, but that he does not have confidence in the story he was told about how it was found and how it was obtained by the mother.
Even though he is withdrawing from the case, and even though he is no longer comfortable with the story about how the bag was found, he said that it in no way should call into question the accusers account of the events that took place on the night of the alleged sexual assault.
He also said that the accuser had nothing to do with the evidence bag and is not at all involved in that situation.
"One has nothing to do with the other," Eoannou said.
"One has something to do with someone other than my client."
Erie County district attorney Frank Sedita has a news conference scheduled for Friday morning to address the alleged evidence bag that was found.
