The lawyer representing the woman who has accused NHL star Patrick Kane of rape has stepped down, announcing that he is “not comfortable” with how he received an evidence bag that had supposedly been tampered with, USA Today reports.
The lawyer, Thomas Eoannou, held a press conference Wednesday where he alleged that the evidence in the case had been tampered with, and that the evidence bag had been delivered to the home of the accuser’s mother. (RELATED: Claim: The DNA Evidence In Patrick Kane’s Rape Case Has Been Tampered With)
Eoannou said Thursday that he is no longer at ease with that story. “I received the story line from the mother,” he said, according to USA Today. “And it’s my position that I’m not comfortable with that version of the events. I do not believe the version of events as to how I received the bag, and it is best for me to withdraw.”
The Chicago Tribune reports that the Erie County Crime Lab has confirmed that all the evidence from the case is accounted for.
“I think that anytime someone tries to undermine the science in a case — and they try to by means that are not appropriate, to achieve their goal — I think that speaks volumes to the integrity of the accusations,” Paul Cambria, a Chicago Blackhawks spokesman, said at a press conference after Eoannou’s announcement. “I think the investigation is forever tainted.”
Kane’s agent Pat Brisson added, “I believe it’s another step in the right direction. As I said before I do believe Patrick didn’t do anything wrong. I’m convinced it will be out of the way in the near future.”
Erie County District Attorney Frank Sedita III said Friday that the evidence bag at the mother’s house was nothing more than an elaborate hoax and that “forensic evidence in the case was not tampered with, nor was it compromised,” according to the Tribune.
DA says "immoral" but not illegal under #NewYork law. Says the mother was engaged in an "elaborate hoax." #patrickkane @cbschicago
— Brad Σdwards (@tvbrad) September 25, 2015