Cosby Probe Not Hindered, Williams Says
Los Angeles Police Chief Willie L. Williams acknowledged Thursday he was aware that the key witness in the Ennis Cosby slaying was unable to identify the suspect as the gunman, but said the issue does not “hinder the prosecution.”
Defense attorney Charles L. Lindner, however, has said the witness “categorically eliminated” 18-year-old Mikail “Michael” Markhasev from a suspect lineup.
Prosecutors have refused to comment on the matter or whether it affects the strength of their case.
Williams said he was aware that the witness failed to identify Markhasev before he held a televised news conference hours after the March 12 arrest.
“It’s nothing new, it’s nothing startling, it’s nothing that has not been known from the time that we’ve made the arrest,” Williams said. “[This] should not in any way impede the investigation and the prosecution.”
Cosby, the 27-year-old son of entertainer Bill Cosby, was fatally shot Jan. 16 while trying to change a tire on his Mercedes-Benz on a side street near Mulholland Drive.
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