INQUISITR.COM / News & Politics

Patrick Kane: Accuser’s Attorney Withdraws, DA Claims Alleged Victim’s Mother Lied

By Jennifer Deutschmann
Published on: 05:04 PST, Sep 25, 2015

Patrick Kane’s sexual assault case has taken an unusual turn. On Thursday evening, Thomas Eoannou, who represents Kane’s accuser, called a press conference to announce he has withdrawn from the case. As stated during the conference, Kane’s decision stemmed from ethical concerns surrounding key evidence and a witness statement.

In early August, the 26-year-old National Hockey League right winger was accused in the sexual assault of an 21-year-old woman.

On August 2, Patrick Kane reportedly met two women in a Buffalo bar. Later that evening, he invited both women back to his home.

As reported by USA Today, the alleged victim said she walked into another room alone. However, Kane followed her into the room and raped her. The unnamed woman said she and her friend immediately left the hockey player’s home and went to the hospital.

Although the hospital performed a complete examination, including a rape kit, the results did not conclusively prove the woman was raped by Patrick Kane. As reported by NBC Chicago, “Kane’s DNA was found on the alleged victim’s shoulder and under her fingernails, but not on her genitals or undergarments.”

On Tuesday, a torn evidence bag was reportedly delivered to the home of the alleged victim’s mother. Although the bag was empty, the labeling indicated the bag was used to contain the alleged victim’s rape kit.

It is unclear who delivered the bag, or whether it is authentic. However, Erie County Commissioner of Central Police Services John Glascott confirmed all evidence pertaining to Patrick Kane’s case, including the rape kit, “is accounted for and remains in its original packaging.”

Authorities are currently investigating the mysterious evidence bag, and how it ended up in the possession of the alleged victim’s mother.

During a Friday press conference, Erie County District Attorney Frank Sedita suggested the alleged victim’s mother was actually given the evidence bag while her daughter was in the hospital. As reported by WGNTV, the alleged victim was supposed to put her clothing into the bag and return it to police.

It is unclear whether the mother will face charges for tampering with evidence.

As reported by Chicago Tribune, the evidence bag, and the alleged victim’s mother statements about the evidence bag, prompted attorney Thomas Eoannou to withdraw from the case for ethical concerns.

“I do not believe the way in which it was explained to me was the manner in which it was found… I have looked into that and I do not have confidence in that version of the events.”

The case against Patrick Kan may face another setback, as a key witness is reportedly reluctant to testify. Although it was not confirmed, several sources said the woman “no longer backs the accuser’s version of events.”

As many new factors have come to light, it is unclear how the case against Patrick Kane will proceed. Frank Sedita said the prosecutor’s office is reexamining the case.

[Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images]

Share this article: Patrick Kane: Accuser’s Attorney Withdraws, DA Claims Alleged Victim’s Mother Lied
More from Inquisitr