Patrick Kane accuser's lawyer withdraws after concerns over evidence bag

Erik Brady | USA TODAY Sports

Show Caption Hide Caption Patrick Kane accuser's lawyer withdrew himself, here's why Attorney Thomas Eoannou said "misrepresentations were made" about what could have been a key piece of evidence in the sexual assault case against NHL player Patrick Kane.

The attorney for Patrick Kane’s accuser in an increasingly bizarre sexual assault case withdrew Thursday night, and Kane’s attorney said this latest stunning development means the police investigation should be halted and his client cleared.

Thomas Eoannou said he was ethically required to withdraw because he does not have confidence in the way a ripped-open evidence bag came into his possession. He announced his withdrawal at a news conference in Buffalo one day after a news conference in which he said the bag had been found at the front door of the accuser’s mother.

"I received the story line from the mother. And it's my position that I'm not comfortable with that version of the events," Eoannou said. "I do not believe the version of events as to how I received the bag, and it is best for me to withdraw."

Later Paul Cambria, who represents the Chicago Blackhawks star, called a news conference of his own. “I think that anytime someone tries to undermine the science in a case — and they try to by means that are not appropriate, to achieve their goal — I think that speaks volumes to the integrity of the accusations,” he said. “I think the investigation is forever tainted.”

Eoannou was asked at the earlier news conference if his withdrawal means the accuser’s account of the alleged crime is suspect. “One has nothing to do with the other,” he said. “One has to do with someone other than my client.”

Erie County District Attorney Frank Sedita III is scheduled to hold a news conference Friday morning. Eoannou said he turned over the ripped-open evidence bag to the DA’s office after the Wednesday news conference “at their request. After that meeting I went out and continued our investigation and had concerns.”

Cambria said he feels comfortable relying on Sedita in the matter. “Anything that attempts to shake the integrity of an investigation — to corrupt it, to undermine it, to obstruct it — he will not tolerate, I’m sure,” Cambria said. “I’m convinced he'll thoroughly investigate this, that he’ll hold those accountable who are responsible. It’s clear from Eoannou’s comments a misrepresentation was made.”

Cambria said he had not spoken to Kane about the latest twist in the case. “The science is clear, the science is inconsistent with the accusation and consistent with my client’s statement,” Cambria said. “I personally (look at this) and say ‘Why would someone go to these lengths if in fact they have solid accusations they could rely on? Why would they do this?’ ”

Kane met the accuser at a Buffalo bar in early August and the young woman went with him to his lakeside home in suburban Hamburg where she alleged that he assaulted her, according to multiple news media outlets. Kane has not been charged with a crime and he has not been suspended by the NHL. He spoke publicly about the case for the first time last week, saying he did nothing wrong and would be absolved of any wrongdoing.

“I feel Patrick Kane has been victimized,” Cambria said. “This happening today is bizarre. I have been practicing criminal law for many years and I have to say this is a shocking, shocking development.

The two news conferences came on a night when an NHL prospects game was played in Buffalo. Kane is the best NHL prospect ever to come out of Buffalo.

"I believe it's another step in the right direction," said Pat Brisson, Kane's agent. "As I said before I do believe Patrick didn't do anything wrong. I'm convinced it will be out of the way in the near future."

Contributing: Kevin Allen