Bryant Defense Assails Investigation

Kobe Bryant’s attorneys want two law enforcement investigation experts to testify about what they describe as “a woeful crime-scene investigation” the night after the Laker star is accused of raping a 19-year-old woman.

In a filing Monday, attorneys Hal Haddon and Pamela Mackey said Eagle County detectives Daniel Loya and Doug Winters were diligent in collecting physical evidence that could support the woman’s version but ignored evidence that could exonerate Bryant.

After learning that Bryant “strenuously denied any sexual assault, the detectives closed their eyes to physical evidence at the scene that might have objectively confirmed Mr. Bryant’s version and discredited the accuser’s version,” Haddon and Mackey wrote.

The defense wants expert witnesses Larry Ragle and Beth Seeman to testify at trial.

According to the filing, the experts would testify that Winters and Loya should have taken a chair from the hotel room where the woman said Bryant raped her June 30. The experts also would say that detectives should have collected hairs and fibers from the wastebaskets and the sink.

In another filing Monday, attorneys representing the media argued that a hearing Thursday pertaining to funds Bryant’s accuser has received from the state of Colorado for mental health treatment should be open.

Bryant pleaded not guilty to felony sexual assault May 11.