The lawyer for the alleged Patrick Kane rape victim spoke today at a press conference and revealed some disturbing comments about the case. Attorney Thomas J. Eoannou told the media that the rape kit evidence bag in the case was anonymously delivered to the mother of the victim. Eoannou says the bag was ripped open and tampered with.
The details are horrific, but I’m going to post some of them which were reported on Twitter. I’d attempt to break down the case myself, but it’s so sad and bizarre, I don’t think I’d be able to do it properly. These comments are from experts and reporters on the scene.
Lawyer for alleged victim in Kane case says the rape kit evidence bag was anonymously delivered yesterday to home of victim's mother. #TSN
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) September 23, 2015
Lawyer says the evidence bag from rape kit has been determined genuine, contained identity, birthday and information of the rape kit.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) September 23, 2015
The evidence bag, normally size of a grocery bag, was placed at the doorway of accuser's mother's residence, between door and storm door.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) September 23, 2015
The rape kit evidence bag was found ripped open, which is normally sealed to preserve the evidence and chain of custody. Nothing was inside.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) September 23, 2015
Accuser lawyer: "I can assure you I am the last lawyer in town you'd come to if you'd like to settle a civil case for monetary value."
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) September 23, 2015
Eoannou: "Something seriously has gone amiss." Is hopeful this is a good Samaritan tipping off the tampering.
— Tim Graham (@ByTimGraham) September 23, 2015
Lawyer for alleged Pat Kane victim held what he said was rape kit evidence bag in front of media this afternoon pic.twitter.com/QrBVOC410F
— News 4, WIVB-TV (@news4buffalo) September 23, 2015
Accused lawyer: "This is a classic example why rape victims choose to not come forward. The victim bashing has been absolutely devastating."
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) September 23, 2015
Not sure how people are getting the idea this kills the criminal case. Rape cases go to trial without DNA evidence all the time.
— Julie DiCaro (@JulieDiCaro) September 23, 2015
Others have said this but want to echo it: the evidence bag being delivered to victim's mom could be intimidation or whistle-blowing #Kane
— Jen LC (@RegressedPDO) September 23, 2015
Here's some info on how rape kits are supposed to be handled: pic.twitter.com/3WZEHJVdBy
— Julie DiCaro (@JulieDiCaro) September 23, 2015
In 5 years of covering sports law,I have never once been shocked. Gravely disappointed and disgusted at times but not shocked.
Until today.
— Eric Macramalla (@EricOnSportsLaw) September 23, 2015
NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly says Patrick Kane's playing status remains unchanged. He's still in camp with the #blackhawks.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) September 23, 2015
Patrick Kane attorney tells Trib that his client would be hurt most by tampered evidence because they can't do their own testing if needed
— Stacy St. Clair (@StacyStClair) September 23, 2015
Here’s a statement released by the Hamburg Police:
In regard to the information conveyed today by Mr. Thomas Eoannou, the Hamburg Police Department will cooperate with any authorized investigation regarding the handling of evidence and the procedure of such. That said, The Hamburg Police Department has documentation that unequivocally demonstrates that its handling of the evidence and the integrity of its chain of custody of evidence in this case is unassailable. As is policy with active investigations, there will be no further comment regarding this situation.
We’ll update the story when more news break.