UPDATE: The Erie County Central Police Services Office has released a statement regarding the allegations of tampered evidence from the accuser in the Patrick Kane investigation. The statement from commissioner John Glascott is as follows:
All evidence related to this case that was given to Erie County Central Police Services by the Town of Hamburg Police Department is accounted for and remains in its original packaging in the possession of Erie County Central Police Services. This includes the evidence in the rape kit and the packaging itself. This evidence has been analyzed and reports of that analysis sent to the appropriate agencies.
Paul Cambria, the attorney representing Kane, also spoke regarding the allegations today stating, “I’m not concerned about the results of the test … they completely eliminate [Kane] as a contributor of DNA from the waist down.” He also stated that is team has “no reason” to tamper with evidence.
This is a developing story and will be updated should more information arise.
ORIGINAL: The attorney of the alleged victim in the Patrick Kane rape investigation spoke to the media for the first time since the incident involving his client reportedly occurred during the early morning hours of August 2.
During his briefing that included a prepared statement as well as the answering of questions from reporters, attorney Thomas Eoannou revealed that the rape kit evidence bag had been delivered to the home of the accuser’s mother. No contents were delivered to the home, but the bag that would contain the rape kit results was placed via someone anonymously between the storm door and the door of the house.
“In 30 years plus, I have never seen an evidence bag outside the police lab, courtroom or legal office,” Eoannou stated.
The bag was confirmed to be the evidence bag from the case by hospital and law enforcement officials. The bag had the accuser’s information written on it, was torn open, and the contents had been removed.
Eoannou has requested an independent investigation involving the FBI regarding the latest developments, and is hoping that a criminal case will continue to move forward. Kane has not been arrested or charged with any crime at this time.
He is also hoping that the person who placed the bag at the doorstep of the home will come forward to help with the investigation. The hope is that it was a helpful individual simply tipping off to the tampering of evidence.
In addition to the evidence bag, Eoannou addressed what he believes to be victim bashing. He stated that the leaks, including reported results of the victim’s rape kit, have been disturbing and devistating to him, his client and the client’s family.
The case was expected to be heard in front of a grand jury, but there is no update on when that may happen.
Paul Cambria, the attorney for Kane, has refused comment at this time regarding what was said during the conference. The Erie County District Attorney’s Office has been reached for comment, though the request has not been answered yet.
