Judge Halts DNA Testing
The judge in the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case Friday ordered prosecutors to halt any DNA testing until they obey a court order to allow a defense expert to observe the procedure.
Dist. Atty. Mark Hurlbert must show cause for failing to comply with the ruling of Judge Terry Ruckriegle or face sanctions.
Hurlbert has until Tuesday to explain why he plans to use Bode Technologies to retest vaginal swabs taken from the woman who has accused Bryant of rape.
A Bode official told The Times on Thursday that company policy prohibits defense experts from observing testing.
Ruckriegle, however, has made it clear that Elizabeth Johnson, an expert who has conducted independent testing of evidence for Bryant’s attorneys, can be present.
Legal experts said that either Hurlbert must choose another lab or that Bode must make an exception.
In another court filing, the defense wants to prevent prosecutors from calling Jean McAllister as an expert witness. McAllister is a victims’ advocate who served on a committee that conducted an investigation into the University of Colorado football program’s alleged use of sex in its recruiting practices.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
